I Hate Dialysis Message Board
Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: News Articles => Topic started by: okarol on February 12, 2007, 09:17:53 PM
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Man receives kidney from cousin on Valentine's Day
MIAMI (WSVN) -- A family experiences an "act of love" when, instead of candy, one man is getting ready to recieve a kidney for Valentine's Day.
For 15 years, 61-year-old Carlos Smith has suffered from poor kidneys, and now, doctor's have told him he has to make a decision: Either go on dialysis or get a transplant.
That is when Smith's cousin, 60-year-old Ernesto Castro, stepped in and offered to donate his own kidney. "I felt very strongly the fact that I am keeping him off of the dialysis machine, that is fantastic," said Ernesto Castro.
Smith is in awe of his cousin's generosity and humility. "I feel very blessed, to tell you the truth. I mean, I... because I think what he's doing is a tremendous gift," said Carlos Smith.
On Valentines Day, doctor's at Jackson Memorial Hospital will perform the surgery. "So, we all feel very, very fortunate that in this situation, Mr. Castro is able to donate a kidney to his cousin, prior to initiation of dialysis. So this is a preemptive kidney transplant," said Dr. George Burke.
Even though it's serious, these cousins can laugh about it. "He's my valentine," said Smith.
Castro's family is thankful for the amazing gift this husband and father is donating. "He's so humble and he's awesome, you know. I love him to death and I'm proud of him, I really am," said Victor Castro.
For Smith's family, knowing he's getting a second chance at life is overwhelming.
"For my dad its amazing and there's no words to describe," said Ceci Smith Pino. "We love him very much and we thank him. It's an unbelievable gift on a very special day."
URL: http://www1.wsvn.com/news/articles/local/MI39583/