Communities rally to support Darryl Oomen’s dialysis journey
By Joan Janzen
The communities of Eatonia, Glidden, Kindersley and beyond are joining together to support Darryl Oomen, who is travelling to Saskatoon twice a week for emergency dialysis for the next six weeks. Darryl and his wife, Vicki, reside on a farm southwest of Glidden.
“It’s been a long journey,” Vicki admitted. “Darryl’s been living with only one kidney since 1997, when he had to have one removed. Over the years, it’s been gradually getting worse, so we’ve been travelling to Saskatoon for 11 years, dealing with a nephrologist.”
L-R: Darryl Oomen, son Brody, wife Vicki and son Chase. Everyone is invited to contribute to a gift card drive in support of Darryl’s dialysis and transplant journey. PHOTO SUBMITTED
Darryl Oomen is travelling to Saskatoon twice a week for emergency dialysis. Everyone is invited to contribute to a gift card drive in support of his dialysis and transplant journey. PHOTO SUBMITTED
On Aug. 9, 2024, Darryl had all the testing done to ensure he was a good candidate and was put on the transplant list.
“Over the last year, we had to stop working and were waiting for a surgery date to get a cath line for dialysis,” she explained. Darryl had worked at Good to Go Trucking for the past 15 years.
On April 13, Darryl finally had a cath line put in his stomach; however, it needs to heal for six weeks before he can begin doing dialysis at home.
“And then we have to do four days of training before we can start doing dialysis at home,” Vicki added.
Candis Hildebrandt is helping organize a gift card drive for Darryl and Vicki.
“I know the cost of travel related to a transplant, so I wanted to help,” she said, referring to her daughter Kinley’s transplant. “We definitely know how life-saving and life-changing a new organ can be, and Darryl is looking for a donor (O+).”
The expenses of fuel, meals and accommodation add up quickly, so gift cards will help ease the burden for Darryl and Vicki. Co-op gift cards are especially beneficial since they can be used for both fuel and food.
If you would like to help, need cards picked up or have any questions, please call or text Candis at 306-460-7336 or message her on Facebook. E-transfers are also welcome and can be sent personally to vicki.darrel@sasktel.net.
“It takes a village,” Candis said. “No one should have to go through this alone.”
This is an opportunity for friends, family, acquaintances and community members to show their love and support, and help Darryl and Vicki Oomen along their journey to life-changing health.