After witnessing firsthand the effects of her husband JePahl's failed kidney transplant, LaKishia White was determined that he would not have to wait another seven years for a new kidney. Through the paired exchange program, JePahl received his second transplant from a young woman, Jessica Jurado, who donated on behalf of her mother. LaKishia donated her kidney to a person in Pennsylvania on behalf of JePahl. "Jessica is now part of our family," said LaKishia. "She has a beautiful spirit and we are thankful for her."

LaKishia's Story

It was love at first sight. On June 9, 2006, just eight months after their first date, LaKishia and JePahl White were married and eagerly began their life together. Just two years prior, JePahl had received a kidney transplant from a deceased donor after having endured seven years of dialysis. His health and independence were restored and he was able to return to college to work on his degree.

In January 2009, JePahl's transplanted kidney failed. He began undergoing dialysis three times a week for four hours per session. LaKishia accompanied him to his treatments, and she saw firsthand how dialysis affected him. He was tired and weak with no appetite, had insomnia, and his joints were achy.

LaKisha felt helpless and was determined that her husband would not have to wait seven years for a new kidney as was the case with his first transplant. She was not a direct match for JePahl, so they were referred to a paired exchange program.

Paired exchange donation consists of two or more kidney donor/recipient pairs who are not biologically compatible. The two recipients trade donors so that each recipient can receive a kidney with a compatible blood type. Once all donors and recipients have been tested, the kidney transplant surgeries can be scheduled to occur simultaneously.

After approximately one year of thorough testing, LaKishia was cleared to donate one of her kidneys on JePahl's behalf. On September 27, 2010, JePahl received his second kidney transplant from a young woman named Jessica Jurado, who donated on behalf of her mother. Two days later, LaKishia was able to donate her kidney to a person in Pennsylvania on behalf of JePahl. The surgeries went very well. LaKishia and JePahl were released from the hospital on the same day and were able to recover at home together with the help of family and friends. JePahl was soon running up and down the stairs; LaKishia returned to work eight weeks after surgery.