It was at the age of 22 that I discovered that I had kidney problems. I was pregnant with my youngest son and delivered him two months prematurely due to the disease. Everything seemed to return to normal but I was closely monitored by nephrologists. They weren’t able to do any tests since the right kidney was worse than left. MRI scan results determined Nephrotic Syndrome, which gradually shrinks renal arteries. The disease progressed and at the age of 25, my kidneys completely failed.
I immediately needed dialysis. I started with Hemodialysis three times a week for 3 1/2 years until my fistula access failed. I then switched to Peritoneal dialysis which would require ten hour treatments nightly. This brought many challenges to my already busy life, being a wife and raising young children. I continued to stay positive and started volunteering for Sierra Donor Services. I felt empowered and took an active role to stay strong during the waiting period and at the same time advocate and share the importance of organ donation, despite the decline of my own health over the five years awaiting a life saving kidney transplant.
I had the opportunity to attend Lobby Day at the State Capital to promote SB 1395 – Alquist Altruistic Living Donor Registry (The First Ever Living Organ Donor Registry) & AB 998- The extended medical bill for anti-rejection medicine coverage. These 2 bills were both passed into legislation.
On February 23, 2010, at the age of 30, I received the gift of life in a miraculous way. I was a part of the first of my center’s in-house donor chain. Including me, three other lives were saved as four donors gave the gift of life, starting with a donor who has remained anonymous. I am truly grateful for the gift my donor, Sandra Morales, gave me. We continue to stay in touch and this has truly changed the lives of everyone that was part of this experience.
Just 5 months after my transplant I caught a deadly infection called valley fever. I endured many hospitalizations, numerous surgeries, and went into kidney rejection in March 2012. Miraculously I pulled through the rejection through the help of UC Davis Medical Center and thankfully my health continues to be restored.
This whole journey has definitely given me a new outlook on life. I’ve learned to share my experience to all so everyone can understand that we all have the ability to save lives. I look back on all that my family and I have gone through and am just thankful for this answered prayer. This experience has given me a strength I never knew I had, a deeper sense of purpose, and a vision to make a difference; to live by faith and to continue to give back the gift of life that was given to me.
Visit my blog as I share my life saving journey one day at a time.
What an amazing God we serve
Yes indeed!
Miracles do happen. Your story inspired me today. Your faith, hope and great love for your family shows in every word of this post. God bless you generous angel, Sandra Morales. She has a heart of gold and more. This words are so beautiful, “On February 23, 2010, at the age of 30, I received the gift of life in a miraculous way.” Best wishes to you and your family.
Thank you so much Island Traveler, Your comments has touched my heart. I pray that every word I write is a reflection of what God’s glory in my life. I write to honor my donor as well. To share the extension of life she has provided. Everyday is truly a miracle!
Maribel, your story is so inspiring as I am going through something very similar. I am following your blog as a source of inspiration and motivation as I wait to receive a kidney myself. I am, like you, very much interested in becoming an advocate for increasing education about becoming a donor. How did you go about doing this? Is there a email address in which I can contact you about this and other issues I am encountering that you may be able to advise me on? I can be reached at nlbhones1979@gmail.com. Continued blessings for you and you family.
Hello Nikki, I’m am blessed by your message and glad that I can be a source of inspiration. It’s exactly why I share. I learned so much becoming a Donate Life Ambassador. I would learn first hand the importance of being registered. The wait is certainly no joke. To find your local Donate Life Ambassador group search your OPO (organ procurement organization): http://www.ctdn.org/. Becoming an ambassador or even just attending their meetings helps with educating, meeting other donor/recipient family and give back. Just today I completed public speaking training (2nd time). They offer so much opportunities and it has helped empowered me. Let’s definitely stay in touch. I have met so many fellow kidney buddies all throughout the country and it’s an awesome friendship. It’s been so helpful! Look forward to connecting more. ~Maribel
really inspiring; well done
Thank you so much!
I’ve nominated you for the One Lovely Blog award, Maribel. Love the picture up top!
Thank you John, I’m honored! This will be my third lovely blog award and I’ll humbly accept. I have some catching up to do with writing so this will help me get back on track again!
Great!
Highly inspiring one! Life is such a wide path, where you must have to face some challenges. Only if so, you could sustain as a perfect-being on this world.
Have a great day ahead. Cheers.\m/
Rahul
Maribel, I look forward to reading more of your amazing story. God’s blessings in your journey.
Marilyn
Praise God! What a blessing despite your circumstances to hear joy and thankfulness. Very encouraging and uplifting!