Sahra I. Torres-Rivera donated a kidney to her dear friend Kiko four years ago. Because Sahra was in school and working full time, Kiko and his family traveled from Puerto Rico to her home in Washington, D.C. to complete the donation and transplant. After a successful donation experience, Sahra began training for endurance events as a way to demonstrate that living kidney donors can lead normal, healthy lives.

Sahra's Story

Sahra I. Torres-Rivera donated a kidney to her dear friend Kiko four years ago. Because Sahra was in school and working full time, Kiko and his family traveled from Puerto Rico to her home in Washington, D.C. to complete the donation and transplant. After a successful donation experience, Sahra began training for endurance events as a way to demonstrate that living kidney donors can lead a normal, healthy life.

Kiko had four fulfilling years after the transplant—he had the opportunity to go back to school, travel and meet his niece. He passed away this last February after being diagnosed with leukemia—his donated kidney still functioning beautifully. Not once has Sahra questioned or regretted her decision to donate, and she is still very close to his family, her “adoptive parents.”

Sahra is a volunteer for the Washington Regional Transplant Consortium, and being an advocate and speaker for living donation is her way to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation in the community. She also volunteers with Team in Training, raising funds to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. She is currently training to run the Arizona Rock and Roll Marathon in January 2006 to honor Kiko's memory.

Being a living kidney donor has given Sahra the opportunity to learn to be thankful for and never take her health for granted. She has also learned to admire and respect those who, like Kiko, live life with passion regardless of adversity.