Claudia Sanchez considers herself fortunate to have inherited diabetes from her parents. "Some people might think I'm crazy when I say this, but this condition has brought me the most amazing experiences," said Claudia. A kidney-pancreas transplant changed not only Claudia's health, but her outlook on life. "After her transplant, she decided to remain working in the dialysis field." I feel a deep and unique connection with my patients," said Claudia. One year after the transplant she ran her first marathon, which before would have been impossible. "When I crossed the finish line, the only thing on my mind was my donor and how thankful I am."

Claudia's Story

Claudia Sanchez is the youngest of six siblings and considers herself fortunate to have inherited diabetes from her parents. "Some people might think that I am crazy when I say this, but this condition has brought me the most amazing experiences in my life," said Claudia.

Living with diabetes was not easy for Claudia. She was on dialysis for two and a half years, while her health and life were deteriorating very quickly. It was hard for Claudia to see her family suffering along with her. A kidney and pancreas transplant was her only hope.

In April 2005 she received a phone call from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center to inform her that they a kidney and pancreas had been donated and allocated to her.

The transplant operation changed not only Claudia's health, but her outlook on life. "With this double transplant I started to live the most beautiful and transcendent miracle in my life. My life has changed so much. I live in a great state of gratitude with God and with the family who agreed to donate their son's organs."

The transplant was a gift of life that touched not only Claudia and her family, but people around her. After her experience, Claudia decided to remain working in the dialysis field." I feel a deep and unique connection with my patients. I have great love and compassion for my patients and I love my job," said Claudia.

With her transplant, Claudia has been able to accomplish goals she never thought she would be able to. "Before the transplant, running a marathon was an impossible dream for me, and one year after the transplant I ran my first marathon. I ran twenty six miles without the worries of how low my sugar was or having to check my sugar levels. When I crossed the finish line, the only thing on my mind was my donor and how thankful I am. Life is beautiful even with the most difficult challenges."