Somone Washington

Type of Donation:       Kidney Recipient

Age and Location:      30, Miami Transplant Institute/Jackson Memorial Hospital

Donation Date:           November 17 – 18, 2010

Sponsor:                      OneLegacy

SOMONE’S STORY

Somone's story begins as a healthy and vibrant 24-year-old young lady living in sunny Miami, Florida. She had just finished graduate school and was on her way to starting a new career. Out of nowhere, Somone got sick. She was always thirsty, retaining water, and could not keep food down. Somone had never been sick other than an occasional cold before this. But now, she found herself in the hospital emergency room, where she was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure.



Somone started taking medication to stabilize her condition, but she had to start dialysis after a year. It took her over a year to get medically cleared to be added to the kidney transplant waiting list. On November 17, 2010, over five years after being diagnosed, Somone received the gift of life through a kidney transplant. An 18-year-old man lost his life to gun violence, and his family decided to give Somone a second chance. She is forever grateful to that soul and that family for the gift that they gave her. Somone hopes that knowing that they have saved lives provides the family with comfort as they mourn the loss of their loved one. He lives on in Somone and in the many other lives he saved.



Since receiving a second chance at life, Somone has started a chapter in California. She has been able to develop her career, including becoming a Software Analyst at a local university. She has also started her own business, Kiasi Technology Solutions, which seeks to help increase the quality of life for those of a more mature age through basic computer and software education. Somone is most grateful for the invaluable time that she has been afforded to spend with family and friends.



"Please consider becoming an organ donor," says Somone. "Be a hero and leave your life legacy with someone who is waiting for a second chance at life. Thank you in advance for saving a life the way that someone saved mine."