Patricia Gardner

Type of Donation:      

Age and Location:      Age 49 – Camarillo, CA

Date of Donation:           4/09/2024

Sponsor:                      Donate Life California

PATRICIA’S STORY

When Patricia found out in Spring 2023 that her children's stepmother, Kathy, needed a kidney, she felt God's call to see if she was a match. She knew this was God giving her an opportunity to bless Kathy with a healthier and longer life, as well as bless her former husband, Steve, and their four children, whom Kathy has helped raise since she and Steve were married in 2016.

Kathy was on several donor lists, but finding a match was difficult due to antibodies that greatly increase the risk of rejection. Patricia was notified that she was a match for Kathy in September 2023 and was accepted as a donor in January 2024, at the age of 48.

In February 2024, Cedars Sinai contacted Patricia to ask if she would be willing to enter an exchange because an anonymous donor had stepped forward and offered their kidney to the best possible match. Kathy was that match! Kathy and Patricia's family, along with their church communities, were praying alongside them during this process. Patricia knew this offer was from God and gladly agreed to participate in the exchange. What began as Patricia helping Kathy would end up with a six-person exchange. When you say "Yes" to God, He always multiplies what you give Him!

When she was accepted as a donor, Patricia had to lose weight prior to the surgery date. Food addiction had always been a struggle for Patricia, but on January 23rd, 2024, she cried out to God for help, and he miraculously delivered her from food addiction. She was able to lose 15 lbs. prior to the donation surgery on April 9th, 2024, and she has now lost an additional 40 pounds post-donation through healthy living.

Patricia enjoys long walks and hikes in nature. When people say she is a "Hero," Patricia lets them know she is just a servant of her Savior. Jesus laid down His life for us and as his follower, He calls her to lay down her life for others. Organ donation is just one way to do that!