Kidney Transplant Patient Stories

Meet some of Sharp's kidney transplant patients, and read about their life-changing experiences. The Sharp Kidney-Pancreas Transplant Program team is proud to help make stories like these possible.

Kay

Kay Wolff, Altruistic Kidney Donor
When several of Kay Wolff’s close friends were stricken with severe kidney problems, she was inspired to make a difference by donating one of her kidneys. Though she wasn’t a match for those she knew, Kay persevered and decided to altruistically donate. Follow Kay’s story as she goes through the process of finding a match and ultimately gives a complete stranger the gift of life. Read Kay's kidney donation journal.
Kyra following kidney transplant surgery

Kyla, Kidney Transplant Survivor
Kyla and her identical twin sister, Liana, have always shared everything from the time they were children — their looks, clothes, laughs and tears. So when meningococcal meningitis sent Kyla into kidney failure, Liana quickly volunteered to donate her kidney. Read Kyla's kidney transplant story.
Luis and Lee Lee Santos, Kidney Transplant Survivor
Severe, persistent headaches caused Lee Santos to consult with his physician. When he learned that his kidneys were failing, Lee was given two options: dialysis and medication for the remainder of his life, or a kidney transplant. His father lovingly stepped in to donate, and luckily, the two of them were a perfect match. Read Lee's kidney transplant story.
Lorena Rodriguez (left) and Monique McCray

Lorena Rodriguez, Altruistic Kidney Donor
While working in a medical office that focuses on caring for people with kidney disease, Lorena witnessed the bravery of patients facing  grueling dialysis treatments and long waiting lists for a transplant. That experience prompted her to learn how she could become an altruistic kidney donor. Read Lorena's kidney donation story.
Rita and Oscar Ayub after kidney transplant surgery

Oscar Ayub, Kidney Transplant Survivor
Kidney failure wasn't going to stop Oscar from finally enjoying his retirement years with his wife, Rita. When Rita discovered she wasn't an ideal match to donate a kidney to Oscar, the two decided to participate in the nation's largest donation chain. Read Oscar's kidney transplant story.
Dustin and Randy

Randy Fleet, Kidney Transplant Survivor
Read about Randy's extraordinary experience as a kidney transplant patient at Sharp Memorial Hospital and how his longlost brother was the key to saving his life. Read Randy's kidney transplant story.

Find a San Diego Doctor
To find a Sharp-affiliated physician, search for San Diego doctors or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday 8 am to 6 pm.

For More Information
To find general information about transplant, visit Transplantation in Adult Health or read the Transplant News archive.