Cheryl "Renee" Roybal

Type of Donation:       heart recipient

Age and Location:      Age 64 – Santa Fe, NM

Date of Transplant:           10/10/2002

Sponsor:                      Honored by Donate Life California

CHERYL’S STORY

Cheryl "Renee" Roybal is a Native American (Pueblo Indian) woman, a tribal enrolled member of the Pueblo de San Ildefonso, located in New Mexico. At 64 years old, she is the eldest of 4 siblings, married, has two wonderful daughters, and is a "Saya" grandma of 3 grandchildren. Unbeknown to doctors and herself, she became ill out of the blue and found out that her heart was enlarged. She was then placed on the heart transplant list and was blessed to receive a heart on October 10, 2002, from an 11-year-old girl. Renee is enjoying life and sharing her knowledge of the importance of organ donation at various events in Northern New Mexico and in her local Native American communities. She lives by the saying, "you only live once!" This phrase takes on a different meaning for Renee, as she is alive today due to the kindness of someone's parents, who said yes to donating their loved one's organs. Because of that child's gift, Renee has seen her girls graduate and grow to become women and marry. She has been able to be present at the births of her grandchildren and blessed with many other beautiful milestone memories. Renee is enjoying life and sharing her knowledge of the importance of organ donation at various events in Northern New Mexico and in her local Native American communities.