In August 2003, Sergio Gomez was hypertensive and diagnosed with end-stage renal failure. Sergio became a volunteer for OneLegacy because, as he says, “Information about kidney failure and organ donation is much needed in the Latino community.” In August of 2005, Sergio received a kidney from his sister, Claudia. “Thanks to her, I am alive today and doing what I love to do most: helping others.”

Sergio's Story

“Though I knew that this was about one, if not THE, most difficult things that I would go though in my life, I learned never to give up,” said Sergio.

He opted for peritoneal dialysis, which allowed him to return to relatively normal activity. He went back to work as a warehouse manager and had a more social life.

“I tried not to think too much about it. I put all of my effort into my treatments, and it all went so well,” said Sergio. “I was an example to other patients that it is possible to get through it, and that you must not give up.”

One day, Sergio’s dialysis nurse asked him to help her with one of the new patients. She needed him to explain and translate into Spanish the treatment process. “I think it was then that I realized that things happen for a reason, and if I could help other patients in my unit why not do more outside the unit, since information about kidney failure and organ donation is much needed in the Latino community,” reflected Sergio.

In 2004, while still in treatment, he became an Ambassador for OneLegacy, the organ recovery agency serving the Los Angeles area. He has also devoted time and energy volunteering with other organizations and hospitals promoting organ donation and transplantation.

On August 3, 2005, Sergio received a kidney from his sister, Claudia. Now, at 36, he is grateful for his new life. “Thanks to her, I am alive today and doing what I love to do most: helping others.”