In one week, Indra Michaca went from kidney stones to a coma to a liver transplant. Now a college student, she and her sister Zulma work diligently to inspire students and the community to sign up on the Donate Life California Organ & Tissue Donor Registry.

Indra's Story

In August 2005, Indra Michaca, now 19, attended a cousin’s Sunday afternoon birthday party when she began to fell ll. She was taken to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with kidney stones and severe dehydration. Within days, she unexpectedly went into a coma a few days later. The doctors discovered liver failure caused by a blood clot in the main artery to the liver. The next day, she was placed on the transplant list, and the day after, she received her new liver. This major change in her life took place in less than one week.

“It was a miracle that they had a liver in my size and my blood type so fast,” said Indra. “After my transplant, life changed for me. Being only 17 tears old at the time, it was somewhat difficult. I had to get used to daily medication, eating healthier, and not seeing my friends for a while until I got better. This was nothing compared to the biggest change – the way my family and I view organ and tissue donation.

“I had never thought of donating my organs because I didn’t have sufficient knowledge to make that decision. Seeing how many teenagers, like me, don’t realize the importance of the gift of life, my sister Zulma and I decided to make it our mission to spread awareness.”

They gave their first presentation to more than 400 students at Moreno Valley High School. “To my surprise, many approached us afterwards and said that we had changed their minds. Knowing we had altered the mind of at least one student meant possibly saving the life of at least one person. I was thrilled,” Indra remembered. An organ donor registry drive at the school took place; more than 100 students signed on.

Indra is now a volunteer Donate Life Ambassador. She and Zulma, who both attend Riverside Community College, speak to high school groups around the Inland Empire. They also spoke at their mother’s workplace. “We got a really good response from adults who said they were going to sign up to be donors.”

Indra has a mission: “To tell my story, share my experience and help as many others as I can. It’s gratifying to know I can make a difference.”