RAWALPINDI: A young man suffering from kidney disease since childhood has become an inspiration for others by earning at home online.
Umair Shafiq, aged 23, has been suffering from kidney disease since childhood. He lives in Shaheenabad area of Rawalpindi with his parents, three brothers and sister. He underwent his first kidney surgery at the age of 4 and has had eight surgeries so far.
Speaking to MM News, Umair said that with the passage of time, his kidney stop functioning and his liver is also shrinking. Umair Shafiq said that he cleans his kidneys three times a week costing Rs 6,000.
Umair said he is not a burden on anyone despite his ailment. He has graduated in IT and is web developer and app developer. He works at home and earn online as a freelancer.
“I cover my expenses but I have a rare kind of disease whose treatment is very expensive which is performed in India and Turkey where liver and kidney transplants are done,” said Shafiq.
Umair said he needs $70,000 for a transplant. Regarding his fundraising efforts, Shafiq said he has raised $32,000 through his friends and family. The cost of a five month stay in Turkey is $15,500.
Umair Shafiq said his donors have helped him tremendously but he still required $45,000 to $50,000 for the treatment. He said he want to go to Turkey for medical treatment after Ramazan where he will undergo any critical operation for over nine hours.
He said his liver and kidney transplants will be performed simultaneously “I believe in my hard work. I never let my illness become a compulsion,” he said. He urged philanthropists and other wealthy individuals to help him in the treatment.
