The Renal Agency of B.C. covers all the costs for the kidney donor but fundraising is needed to cover living-out expenses for Darren. After the surgery Darren will need to remain in Vancouver while they fine tune his anti-rejection medications and monitor the new kidney's effectiveness. Darren has been told to expect to stay in Vancouver for at least 3 months and up to 6 months, which are the main contributors to the personal cost of the kidney transplant process. In addition, Darren is hoping that his young family will be able to visit each month but this would be considered a bonus and could only happen if the funds were available. In the interest of transparency of the estimated expenses, below are the projected costs for living and travel. The monthly total is expected to be about $4,560. For Darren to be in Vancouver for 6 months the total cost will be approximately $27,400.
Accommodations: Darren will stay at a hotel (across the street from St. Paul's) for the first month to attend daily appointments. This cost will $3,500 (inc. taxes). Afterwards, he will be moving to a furnished apartment for approximately $2,300/month, utilities and parking included. Darren will need to stay close to St. Paul's as he should not be riding transit with a weakened immune system and new kidney. The accommodations and parking average would be $2,900/month for a maximum of 5 months.
Living: the transplant team at St. Paul's states that Darren will need a high protein diet and he should budget for approximately $30+day which is $900/month for a maximum of 6 months.
Travel: While in Vancouver, the family visits will be considered a bonus and certainly helpful to the healing process. To maintain the families employment and school commitments flying to Vancouver will be the most efficient and practical method of travel. For the family of 3 to fly return for one visit the approx. cost will be $1,000/trip for an estimated total of 4 trips.
Living: the transplant team at St. Paul's states that Darren will need a high protein diet and he should budget for approximately $30+day which is $900/month for a maximum of 6 months.
Travel: While in Vancouver, the family visits will be considered a bonus and certainly helpful to the healing process. To maintain the families employment and school commitments flying to Vancouver will be the most efficient and practical method of travel. For the family of 3 to fly return for one visit the approx. cost will be $1,000/trip for an estimated total of 4 trips.