A heartwarming reunion took place in San Antonio as Joel Gonzalez surprised Dr. Kelley Hitchman, the transplant doctor who donated a kidney to him in 2021. Gonzalez coordinated with family and staff to surprise Hitchman with a gift and flowers at her lab, marking their fifth “kidney anniversary.”
A Life-Changing Donation
Hitchman, who leads University Health’s Transplant Institute, decided to become a living donor after seeing her patients struggle. She said, “It’s his kidney. Clearly, it was always meant for him, so I am always so grateful to see him and grateful for his friendship.” Gonzalez is now thriving, working full-time, and supporting other transplant patients.
Hitchman’s story highlights the importance of living donors. There are approximately 6,000 to 7,000 people in the United States who make this choice each year, but there are around 109,000 people waiting for a kidney transplant. The wait time for a deceased donor transplant list is five to seven years, and Hitchman emphasized that transplants from living donors are far more successful.
Hitchman climbed Mount Kilimanjaro two years ago to show people how safe and fulfilling it is to be a living donor. She hopes more people will be inspired to sign up and give others a second chance at life. Those interested in learning more about becoming a living donor can visit University Health’s Transplant Institute website.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
