Division of Transplantation

Leslie & Elijah

Leslie: "Thank God for my first cousin Elijah for getting educated about organ donation. I love him for giving a part of himself to me. With this kidney transplant I feel great.

I presently work at a dialysis unit and plan on educating patients about organ donation because it does work!

I love you Elijah for giving me a gift of life."

Elijah: "Leslie isn't my cousin, she's my sister. By seeing my mother go through her problems with dialysis, I knew what my cousin was enduring. It pained me to see her struggle knowing I could do something about it and I did. My cousin and I grew on each other and we became very close over the last eight years. I don't want to lose her, for without Leslie I would be lost myself."

Minerva

My name is Minerva. I became ill with Lupus at the age of 16 years old. I lost my kidneys because of the Lupus. I went on dialysis in 1986. It was hard because I was still in high school. In May of 1987 I had my first transplant but it rejected. I was determined to get another transplant. In November of the same year I was called for my second transplant. That transplant worked pretty well.

In 1989 I had another miracle in my life, my son was born. Shortly after that my transplant failed. I was on dialysis for almost 10 years waiting waiting for another transplant. I never gave up hope. In 1998 I was called for my third transplant. It is working beautifully. In 2000 I married the most wonderful man Gordon Dale. He has truly made my life complete. Now my life is filled with so much happiness. I have a healthy kidney and my husband and my son by my side every step of the way.

Jean & William

William: "It's a wonderful thing that my sister did, I can't thank her enough"

Jean: "There are no words to describe what it's like giving life back to my brother"

Derrick & Colin

When Derrick's brother Colin found out that his brother needed a kidney transplant, he came all the way from Jamaica to donate a kidney to his brother. The transplant was on 1/29/01 and both brothers enjoy a bond unknown to most through this precious gift.

Jose & Vanessa

Jose received a kidney from his wife Vanessa on 1/10/00. After having their blood tested and finding out that they were a "match", Vanessa did not hesitate to donate a kidney to her husband. The kidney works perfectly and both have resumed a full and happy life.

Michael

Michael J. Narvaez - Transplant 1983
Profession - Playwright / Actor
Married with six children, three of them born after his transplant.

"My life was granted and blessed with a new invigorating organ, a donation made without trepidation, yet I am sure with pure love, a kidney. A kidney from my father."

Kathleen, Vance & Dad

Vance: "I felt like I was reborn. I got a second chance at life, thanks to my mom."

Dad: "My wife's donation was a gift — a precious gift of life to my son."

Kathleen: "I wanted my son off dialysis. Doctors Hong, Sumrani and their entire staff made my prayer come true."