GRISELDA “Three-time kidney transplant recipient”

At 53 years old, I’m a proud mother of four and grandmother of seven beautiful grandchildren. My journey with kidney failure began when I was very young. At age 27,

I received my first kidney transplant from my loving sister Esperanza, which lasted 13 years. When that kidney failed, I faced one of the hardest times of my life—three years on hemodialysis.

It was physically draining and emotionally painful, but through the unwavering support of my family,

especially my brother Pedro, who made sure I never missed a treatment, I found the courage to keep

going.

My second transplant came through the National Kidney Exchange Program, where my son Armando and I became part of the very first national transplant chain in the United States. We had surgery on the same day when I was 43. That kidney lasted five years, and I returned to peritoneal dialysis for another three. Those years were not easy, but they taught me strength, patience, and deep faith. Then, two years ago, on October 1st—the same day I was getting married—I received the call from

UCSF for my third kidney. It was truly a miracle and a blessing. I no longer ask, “Why me?” I now know my life has a purpose. My kidney disease doesn’t define me—I choose how I live with it, surrounded by love, faith, and my husband Jim by my side.