Yadira Ortega

Type of Donation:       kidney donor

Age and Location:      Age 37 – Anaheim, CA

Date of Transplant:           4/26/2021

Sponsor:                      Honored by OneLegacy

YADIRA’S STORY

When Yadira Ortega learned that she could test to donate a kidney to her brother, there was no question in her mind that she would volunteer. When she found out she was a perfect match, she could not think of a better gift for her brother and her nephews. After all the comprehensive testing, not only did she find out she was in excellent health, but her perfect match meant she could also donate her stem cells. A new stem cell research program at UCLA Health funded by OneLegacy meant that donating her stem cells would allow Ricardo to eventually come off anti-rejection medication, both increasing the life of the kidney and preventing all the side effects from those medications. At 36 years old, Yadira donated her stem cells and then her kidney. The improvement to Ricardo was immediate, with Yadira noticing a complete change in his appearance the day after the surgery.

Once he completed his recovery, Yadira witnessed how her brother is now able to do things with his children that he was unable to do before. Ricardo was able to follow his dreams to play in a soccer league and pursue a career in law enforcement.

One year and a half after her donation, Yadira continues to work out and her health has not been impacted. She is a Behavior Analyst for a school district working with students with special needs. She is passionate about sharing her experience to encourage more people to donate and change another person's life.