Michael Cervantes' brother John suffered kidney problems from an early age, including surgery at age 14 for bilateral kidney stone removal. Even as a teenager, Michael was certain that if and when the time came for John to need a kidney transplant, he would be his donor. "It was a no-brainer," said Michael. In 2009, after a bad infection led to a dramatic drop in John's kidney function, Michael's living donation journey began. Michael's gift of a kidney to his brother on March 11, 2013 allowed John to carry on his 17-year career as a police officer, and brought the brothers closer together than ever before.

Michael's Story

Michael Cervantes' brother John suffered kidney problems from an early age, including surgery at age 14 for bilateral kidney stone removal. "I was a junior in high school, not yet 16," recalled Michael. "Leaning over his hospital bed, I had an overwhelming sense of helplessness and a sense of responsibility as his older brother. I would have gladly traded places with him."

It was clear a kidney transplant might be needed at some point in the future, and even as a teenager Michael was certain that when that time came he would be John's donor. "It was a no-brainer," said Michael.

In 1992, it seemed that Michael's turn would come when John's condition deteriorated. "We trusted and believed that God would intervene on John's behalf to help him," said Michael. Miraculously, John's condition improved to the point he didn't need dialysis, let alone a transplant. "We were overjoyed, but we also knew that it might not be permanent. We accepted whatever time we were blessed with."

In 2009, after a bad infection led to a dramatic drop in kidney function, John went on dialysis. In November 2011, Michael's living donation journey began. While John's wife and son both offered to donate a kidney, Michael ended up being a match, although a second round of testing was necessitated as John fought complications relating to his condition for more than a year.

"That was the longest year, but I used the time to make sure I was as healthy as possible for John and make sure my recovery went as smoothly as possible," said Michael. "In my late forties I felt like I was back in my early thirties."

Michael's gift of a kidney made a world of difference to John, who was able to carry on his 17-year career as a police officer, the last 12 with the police department in the brothers' hometown of Chino. The experience also brought the brothers closer together than ever before.