JOANA MARI “Twice given the gift of life through kidney donation 💛”

“No fair… it’s not fair.” That’s how my journey began—endless hospital visits, long nights, and living with fear and uncertainty at such a young age.

I became sick at just 14 years old.

What should have been a time of growing, learning, and enjoying life turned into constant doctor visits, diagnoses, and painful symptoms. I experienced seizures, fainting, and countless hospital stays before finally being diagnosed with endstage renal failure.

Soon after, I began dialysis—spending hours connected to a machine, watching

life pass by, and wondering what my future would look like. At 19, my mom gave me the greatest gift—her kidney. That transplant gave me nine beautiful years of life. Years where I was able to go to school, earn my degrees, travel, and simply live beyond the hospital walls.

But in 2022, everything changed again. My kidney began to fail, and my health

declined rapidly. I returned to dialysis—this time balancing treatments with work,

long commutes, and trying to hold onto the life I had built. My body grew weaker,

leading to serious complications, including heart failure. I had to undergo open-heart surgery—something I never imagined facing again.

But even in the hardest moments, I chose to keep fighting. Right after my surgery, I was blessed to receive my second kidney transplant from my Aunt. A second chance. A new beginning.

Today, I am healing and slowly getting back to my normal life. My body carries

scars, but they are reminders of strength, resilience, and everything I’ve

overcome.

My journey has taught me that life isn’t always fair—but it is still meaningful. And

if my story can bring hope, awareness, or even inspire someone to consider organ

donation, then every part of this journey has been worth it. 💛