When Ernesto Bravo Chavez was three years old, he was frequently sick. One day he became very ill; his kidneys had failed. He had to start dialysis and was eventually listed for a kidney transplant. After 15 months of dialysis and complications due to severe asthma, Ernesto received a kidney transplant on October 5, 2005. "My donor, Gabriel Barajas, is a hero to me," said Ernesto. "Besides being a soldier, he gave me a second chance to live." Thanks to his donor, Ernesto is able to eat what he wants, take a shower or a dip in the pool. "Without my hero, I wouldn't be a normal kid," affirmed Ernesto.

Ernesto's Story

When Ernesto Bravo Chavez was three years old, he was frequently sick. "My parents tell me it was like I had a cold," said Ernesto. "My parents took me to the ER many times, but the doctor would always tell them it was the flu." One day he became very ill and was sent to Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, where it was determined that his kidneys had failed. He had to start dialysis and was eventually listed for a kidney transplant.

After three long months in the hospital, Ernesto went home, but had to go back three times a week for dialysis. After 15 months of dialysis and complications due to severe asthma, Ernesto received a kidney transplant on October 5, 2005. With his participation in the 2013 Rose Parade, Ernesto celebrates seven years with his new kidney.

Since Ernesto received his transplant, his family has changed their mind about organ donation. "My mom always said she wanted to be buried just the way she was born," said Ernesto. "But now she has changed her mind; she wants her body to help all people, and my dad thinks the same way."

Since meeting the family of his donor, Gabriel Barajas, Ernesto's family spends a lot of time with them. "The Barajas family means a lot to me," said Ernesto. "They are like my second family; I can say I have two moms and two dads that love me very much.

"My donor, Gabriel Barajas, is a hero to me," said Ernesto. "Besides being a soldier, he saved my life in many ways because I was getting many infections on my dialysis line. And he gave me a second chance to live." Thanks to his donor, Ernesto is able to eat what he wants, take a shower or a dip in the pool. "Without my hero, I wouldn't be a normal kid."