A SAD GOODBYE
It's always hard losing someone~ and last week, we lost an exceptional human being from our ReMend family. Ralph Solis was a wonderful and kind man. He was also ReMend's first Mentor. We are forever grateful he was part of our team.
"I met Ralph at our first ReMend training in September 2013. Ralph's experiences with both dialysis, transplant shaped the mentors programs of today. His passion for life and helping others will remain as fond memories of what a good person he was. RIP Ralph." ~Dennis Bourque, ReMend Co-Founder & Mentor
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"I met Ralph when I first joined ReMend in 2014. He was the kindest soul. He mentored me and helped me understand the process. Ralph had such a warm smile. You will be missed!" ~Charmaine, ReMend Mentor & Mentor Coordinator
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"Ralph was one of the first patients I mentored in 2000. It was the last time I saw him until 2014 when he came to the clinic to talk with the Social Worker about ReMend. He asked for me and he introduced me to ReMend. He encouraged me to join. And I did. He was a kind encouraging man." ~Gracie, ReMend Mentor
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“I am privileged to be one of ReMend's first mentors. Dr. Steer gave me his vote of confidence and believed in me as a mentor, and I was one of the first mentors to meet Ralph. Ralph was an excellent teacher for me, I went to the first ReMend Lobby Days with him…Kearny Mesa, East County, San Isidro and more. Ralph and I shared the same passion: helping, supporting and sharing a word of hope to the patients. Thank you, Ralph.” ~Esteban, ReMend Mentor
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“Early on with ReMend, I met Ralph and James. Like Esteban, I had the pleasure of working with Ralph going to several clinics to present ReMend and always was amazed that Ralph knew many of the people we were presenting ReMend to and the love that several of the attendees had for Ralph.
Lobby days with Esteban and Ralph in the early days of ReMend were very rewarding and fun being in their company. Along with Esteban, we were the 3 amigos! Many fond memories of my time spent in the company of Ralph.
Ralph was like a brother to me and just like brothers we would have a spat (not many) but always made up because our main objective was making ReMend successful and most importantly helping our fellow kidney disease patients by listening to their concerns and providing helpful information to make their situations better in dealing with their disease.
Ralph also introduced me to some very good Mexican restaurants that I fondly remember. Ralph was a proud passionate man with a zest for living and also could be very funny as well.” ~Jim, ReMend Mentor
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“I met Ralph the 1st time he started dialysis, such a kind man with a big heart. There was a time when he was too sick to be a transplant candidate. He never gave up hope and continued to encourage others in his dialysis until to keep on hoping for their Transplant .” ~Annette Oatt, ReMend Board Member
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For all those who knew Ralph, please feel free to share your thoughts and/or memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family~