Stories of Hope
Katy Portell
At a mere four-years-old, Katy was deemed strong and old enough for open-heart surgery. It was then that she received a pulmonary artery.
Ken Reese
An average kidney transplant lasts between 10-15 years. The kidney Ken received from his mother has lasted over 45 years -- still going strong and looking forward to the future.
Lillian Rodriguez
Lillian "Lily" Rodriguez's death was unexpected and devastating, but her family finds some peace in knowing that she blessed others with the gift of life.
Loren Leighton
Loren's death was sudden and unexpected, but he lives on through his kidney and liver donations. His wife and daughters also continue to share his lifesaving legacy.
Luanne Tilson & Ashley Mayer
After Luanne's living kidney donation, she thought, "What can I do next?" And the answer was the Erase the Wait mentorship program -- where she met Ashley.
Luisa Serrano
Kidney recipient Luisa Serrano begins each day by giving thanks for her family and her health.
Lynda Myers
Every morning when I wake up, reach for my glasses and realize I don’t need them, I say a prayer of gratitude to the two people who have blessed me with the gift of sight.
Maqsuda Kabir
Because of her hero donor, Maqsuda can breathe again, and be the wife, mother, and career woman she loves to be.
Margaret Shortreed
Margaret faced kidney disease and transplant, but she didn't face it alone. Her family, her Erase the Wait mentor, and her paired kidney exchange partner helped her through it.
Maria Fernanda Filizola
A longtime volunteer, Maria became Latino Outreach Coordinator at DLNW in July 2018. She is passionate about sharing her experience, knowledge and strength with the Latino community – and she has a lot to offer.