On May 10, 2010, John Orta donated a kidney to his identical twin brother Jake Orta – a rarity given that he was only 16 years old. Jake suffered from kidney disease since birth. After Jake's first transplant failed, John wanted to donate his kidney to his brother. "As a minor I had to meet with many social workers, psychiatrists, and get cleared by an ethics panel, which granted me a rare policy exception due to the maturity they felt I embodied," recounts John. A year and four months later, Jake does not take any medications because, by being his identical twin, John was a perfect match. The brothers currently attend Cal State San Bernardino and their lives have never been better or healthier.

Johnny's Story

On May 10, 2010, John Edward Orta donated a kidney to his identical twin brother Jake Andrew Orta. Jake had suffered from kidney disease since birth. Growing up, John never really understood why they would have to stop playing games just because he had to go take his medications. At first John thought Jake was lucky because Jake got to do something John did not. "Oftentimes, I would go with Jake and pretend to take the medication just so I can feel the same because my brother and I did and still do everything together," explains John.

Choosing to become a donor was really never in question for John. The twins' father Paul Orta donated his kidney to Jake for his first kidney transplant, in 2003. "I was fortunate enough to witness my dad's process of becoming a donor, so I developed a good sense for what I would need to do if I were to ever become one," said John. Unfortunately, five years later, Jake developed a virus that affected his kidney and as a result he would need another transplant.

Jake began dialysis, and it was difficult for John to watch what his brother was going through. "Seeing him go through all the treatments and keeping with the strict diet really devastated me," recalls John, "I knew then, that it was time for me to look into becoming Jake's donor." So John approached his parents about the subject and they did not think it would be possible because John was still a minor. "However; I was determined to become my brother's next donor. As a minor I had to meet with many social workers, psychiatrists, and I had to get cleared by an ethics panel at Loma Linda University Medical Center, which granted me with a rare policy exception due to the maturity they felt I embodied," recounts John.

A year and four months later, Jake does not take any more medications whatsoever because by being his identical twin, John was a perfect match, so there is no possibility of rejection. Today, the twin brothers deejay at events such as school dances, pep rallies and city functions. During these events, John and Jake take every opportunity to promote and educate their audiences about the importance of organ donation. The brothers currently attend Cal State San Bernardino and their lives have never been better or healthier.