In honor of National Kidney Month (which happens every March), we would like to share two stories of grateful kidney transplant recipients. As a part of their healing journey, they have decided to give back through their time as Advocates for Life with Nevada Donor Network. They share their unique stories with our Nevada Strong community to inspire others to become registered organ, eye and tissue donors after seeing the impact of the ultimate gift they received.
First, meet Dinorah. A heroic donor changed her life forever and she is forever thankful. Imagine, it is February 4, 2011. Dinorah just got home from dialysis and was completely exhausted as she normally was after these appointments. She decides to watch her favorite television show with her daughter before heading to bed. Dinorah’s phone rings because it is finally happening. Her heart starts racing because it is her transplant team at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada. They found her perfect match and this heroic donor is giving her a kidney. When Dinorah started dialysis, she was told to expect a two to five year wait. Now, just 11 months later, her life changes forever. Dinorah suffered from high blood pressure for years and in 2009, her kidneys began failing. This once active soccer player was barely able to climb the stairs to her apartment. Several months after her transplant surgery, Dinorah was feeling healthy and ready to climb mountains, both literally and figuratively. She continues to stay in shape to take care of her precious gift. Though it was a difficult journey, Dinorah never lost hope. Her nickname is ‘Medals’ within the national and international transplant community because of how many medals she has taken home from the Transplant Games of America and the World Transplant Games. Dinorah shared, “There are many reasons I love to participate in the Transplant Games of America. First, and most important, is to express my gratitude not only to my heroic donor, but to all the selfless heroes who have given someone else a second chance through organ, eye and tissue donation. I also like to compete and participate because it motivates me to stay active and healthy. It is a fantastic opportunity to reunite with friends who have received the ultimate gift. Additionally, I enjoy meeting new courageous donor families and transplant recipients. We get the unique privilege to share our experiences with each other which is very healing for me. Of course, I proudly represent Team Nevada, especially for the almost 700 Nevadans who are desperately waiting for an organ transplant. I deeply appreciate the Nevada Donor Network for giving me the opportunity to be a voice for organ donation and transplantation in our community.” Over the years, Dinorah has volunteered at hundreds of events which equates to thousands of hours of service on behalf of Nevada Donor Network. Her commitment to our mission is unwavering. Dinorah’s passion for our cause is personal and she dedicates her many hours of service to the unknown hero that saved her life.
Second, meet Kirsten who is a three-time kidney recipient and Advocate for Life with Nevada Donor Network. Kirsten received a living donation from her mother and Husband, then a heroic donor who passed away. She is incredibly enthusiastic about sharing more about organ, eye and tissue donation. Kirsten is always willing to share her story and time to bring awareness to our mission. She ensures that our heroic donor families feel gratitude and understand how important their loved one’s decision is. Kirsten shared, “I have had three kidney transplants from two living donors and a heroic donor who passed away. The first was from my mom, she gave me life twice! With surgery scheduled, I was able to graduate from college in December, get married in February then go into surgery in March which gave me another chance at life. My second living donor was my husband. We participated in a kidney donor chain which created opportunities for several recipient-donor pairings that would not have been possible without it (it was the largest in 2014). This was special because my husband had never suffered something minor like a broken bone, let alone surgery, and to this day it is his biggest fear. He overcame that to give me the ultimate gift and our family a second chance. I spent many years waiting on my third kidney on the national transplant list while on dialysis. It was another reminder of how life changing the gift of life is. I am forever full of gratitude for the three heroes who saved my life. The love people can have for each other in these types of situations is still sometimes incomprehensible to me. Donation truly is the most beautiful legacy to leave behind.” Over the years, Kirsten has also volunteered at hundreds of events and more which equates to thousands of hours of service on behalf of Nevada Donor Network. Her commitment to our mission is unwavering. Kirsten’s enthusiasm for our cause is evident through the many hours of service she has completed.
Inspired by the heroes who gave these incredible women a second chance a life? Register to be a hero in their honor here!