Press release: Renal Patient travels around the world with his family

LISBOA, March 2019 - Filipe Almeida, an extraordinary traveller who is preparing for an epic journey next Friday, March 29. Filipe was diagnosed with a kidney disease as an infant, and currently receiving haemodialysis treatment three times per week, Filipe is also the face of adventure and determination, as he sets off on a journey around the world with his family: wife Catarina and son Guilherme.

For all renal Patients, Filipe is an inspiration!

Over the course of a year, the family which we could already follow in Instagram @allaboardfamily and in their family blog https://allaboardfamily.com/, will be visiting thirty countries, integrating their duly planned routines which are associated to their needed healthcare, and showing that it is possible to live life to its fullest and to follow ones dreams.

Filipe, Catarina and Guilherme (their son, who is almost a two-year-old) will travel through several European countries such as Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Albania, Hungary, The Czech Republic, Poland, Lithuania and the Netherlands. Their first destination after leaving Lisbon will bethe Bahamas. Other destinations will include Cuba, Mexico, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Jordan, South Africa, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, India, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Brazil, where the trip is expected to end in March 2020. Filipe will also return to Portugal periodically to review his medical condition.

The emphasis is on adventure, a rare experience for a chronically ill patient whose life depends on undergoing treatment, without fail, every other day. In fact, Filipe and Catarina are undertaking this journey to inspire other chronic kidney patients hoping to help them enjoy their mobility and exercise their right to a normal and empowered life, as well as to other families travelling with children.

An inspiration for all chronic kidney patients

Filipe’s kidney disease was diagnosed when he was only 12 years old. As the disease was of a immunological aetiology and had a genetic origin, it was expected to progress into adulthood.

Only a year and a half ago – the kidney disease reached stage 5; a stage when haemodialysis, or another replacement treatment (such as Peritoneal Dialysis or Renal Transplant) becomes necessary to replace renal function and stay alive. Accepting this new condition was not easy, but Filipe refused give up on his life projects and, with the support of Catarina, decided to undertake this trip around the world, proving that nothing is impossible, even for end-stage kidney patients.

The couple committed to this dream entirely. Their blog, in which they were already writing about their lives and their routines – www.allaboardfamily.com – will serve as a platform for reporting on their experiences, as a diary for their son, and as a source of inspiration for other kidney patients.

Providing all the logistical support for the trip is Diaverum, an independent and global renal care provider with Swedish origins and with a presence in Portugal (where Filipe is a regular patient). From the start, the company has spared no efforts in helping make this dream turn into a reality that can inspire other patients to lead full, active lives which are not taken over by haemodialysis treatments.

For one year, Filipe Almeida will be visiting a series of countries as a true ambassador for this cause. Providing a real testimonial through his ability to integrate the chronic disease into his life, without having to give up the joy of realizing his dreams.