ACOMA PUEBLO, NM (KRQE) – Major water breaks come with a number of problems. However, some of them are life-threatening for patients who need certain treatments.
“I didn’t think I would miss my dialysis center, but of course I did.” Josephine Rueben has spent three days a week for the past six years being treated at the Acoma Pueblo Dialysis Center, west of Albuquerque, “If I go more than two days without, it’s like the world goes bye.”
The last month has presented a great challenge. The dialysis center has been closed since the main water line failed in late October, leaving hundreds without running water and forcing the shutdown of critical services.
Josephine is forced to make the 100-mile round trip to Rio Rancho several times a week for her treatments, which she cannot live without.
“There’s a lot to go through,” she said. Her son Myron, who is taking her to those appointments, said it’s a physical and financial strain on the family. They have already spent $1,500 on gas to and from the City of Vision.
“It’s gotten to the point where it’s like, I’m worried about gas and having extra money, you know, like just figuring out a way to pay it off,” Myron said.
Nothing compares to the mental strain it caused Josephine. She explained that she wouldn’t be here without the love and support of her family.
“It seems to me what’s the point of going, but like I said, I have a lot of support from my family, my son, my husband, my sister, her husband and the cat. They keep me going,” she said.
Josephine said that she is not the only one in this relationship.
“It’s another family that I have, the dialysis patients, and we get close and get to know each other, and I feel a lot for them, too.”
Some Pueblo residents report their water has been restored, but there is still no word on when the Dialysis Center will be back up and running.
“All we do is pray, every day, (and) just keep going. I love my family and I want to still be here.”
KRQE contacted Acoma Pueblo and its Governor, but we have not heard back. At last check, those in Pueblo who have water are still under a boil water advisory.
Myron has started a GoFundMe page to help with his mother’s Dialysis treatment.
