Dr. Larry Paul Yokoyama

Type of Donation:          kidney recipient

Age and Location:          Age 68 – Bakersfield, CA

Donation Date:             12/25/2020

Sponsor:                   Honored by Cedars-Sinai with OneLegacy

LARRY’S STORY

Dr. Larry Yokoyama is a beloved family medical doctor in Bakersfield, California. Years ago, Dr. Yokoyama developed uric acid stones that blocked his right kidney. The subsequent surgery destroyed his kidney. His functional left kidney worked for years, but eventually started failing. He had hemodialysis for several years and was placed on the transplant waiting list. His wife, Kim, was eligible to be his donor and was about to be tested to become his donor. This is where Dr. Yokoyama said, “Life started to get crazy.” He prayed to God, wanting to receive a lifesaving transplant. They then received the call that a kidney became available. The Yokoyamas left Bakersfield on Christmas Eve to be at Cedars-Sinai during Covid 19 restrictions. Kim had to stay at a nearby hotel and was not allowed at the hospital. Dr. Yokoyama was alone on an empty floor when his wife called to say she could see the hospital from her room, using an antique monocular scope. Then she said, “Hey I can see you… try doing some jumping jacks by the white wall!” Immediately Dr. Yokoyama started doing jumping jacks and heard her say, “Yes I can see you!” Dr. Yokoyama said it eased his heart to know she was nearby. “I had no fear about the surgery because I knew God had put my wife near enough to see me on the floor of a massive medical center. I felt like He lifted my spirits, and I was safe in His hands.” They asked about the donor and learned it was a woman who had suffered from a blood clot in her leg. Their school's church was praying for both Dr. Yokoyama and his donor. They learned that Tammy Miller-McKeown was his donor. She was the same age as Kim, Dr. Yokoyama’s wife, and both played High School sports in Bakersfield, so it was possible they may have met. Another similarity they found is that Shaun, Tammy’s husband, is half Hawaiian, and Dr. Yokoyama grew up in Hawaii.

Since his transplant surgery, Dr. Yokoyama says he has been so very blessed by Tammy's friends and family. “I feel like I have a whole new life and people who are connected to me through her. I am forever grateful to the One Legacy staff for connecting me to Tammy and Shaun, and their families.”

Dr. Yokoyama says, “Do I recommend people sign up to be an organ donor? Yes! Absolutely! If your passing can save another soul with your donation, there is so much good and love that comes from it. I stand here now as a testament to the good and the love that you can give with your signature.”