Sunny Luna’s normal childhood changed near the end of her senior year in high school when she was diagnosed with systemic lupus, an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack itself. Kidney failure led to a transplant that failed after only 14 days. Despite subsequent complications including a heart attack, she earned a degree in social work from California State University, Fresno. In December 1994, Sunny’s father donated a kidney to her, enabling the birth of son Christopher in 2001. She now shares her story as a California Transplant Donor Network volunteer.

Sunny's Story

Sunny Luna led a normal, full childhood, but all that changed near the end of her senior year in high school when she was diagnosed with systemic lupus, an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack itself, including tissue and organs.

When Sunny was first diagnosed, the disease had already begun attacking her kidneys. She began aggressive treatment with chemotherapy and other medications. But shortly after her high school graduation in 1992, both of her kidneys failed and she started dialysis.

In February 1993, Sunny received the call from University of California San Francisco (UCSF) that a kidney was available for her. “As an 18-year old who had been used to a healthy life, all I could think of was that I would never have to come back to the hospital and be hooked up to a dialysis machine. Was I ever wrong,” remembered Sunny, now a 34-year old social worker.

The transplanted kidney failed after only 14 days because the lupus intervened. During the next few months, Sunny experienced numerous complications: a minor stroke, heart attack, collapsed lungs and a seizure. She was back on dialysis.

During this time and despite the many complications, Sunny undertook evening college courses and eventually earned a degree in social work from California State University, Fresno.

In December 1994, Sunny’s father decided to give her his kidney. “The experience this time was wonderful, and I was out of the hospital within a week,” Sunny said. ”During my recovery, I spent time with my family, cherishing every moment and realizing that good health is never to be taken for granted.”

Two years later, she met her husband, Chris. “He has been my rock to this day,” she affirmed. That September, we had a beautiful baby boy, but 14 days after his birth, our son became sick and passed away.”

In 2001, six months after giving birth to her second son, Christopher, Sunny’s kidney again failed and she returned to dialysis. But this time, with a new at-home dialysis system, she had the freedom to travel and take vacations with family and friends.

On Christopher’s eighth birthday in January 2009, Sunny again received the call from UCSF. “This time, I was nervous and excited,” recalled Sunny. “My two very different experiences with kidney transplants left me not knowing what kind of lifestyle I would be coming home to. Happily, my surgery was successful, and I came home just a week after the transplant.

“During my time on the kidney transplant list, I relied heavily on the California Transplant Donor Network to assist me with many questions about the donation process. CTDN has given me the opportunity to attend many events involving outreach at school events, health fairs and community events. In return, everywhere I go, when I meet strangers, friends or family members, I ask if they are donors. Often, through explaining my story, I am able to change the perception of what it means to be a donor.”