Utah brothers celebrate 42-year-old kidney donation

Utah brothers celebrate 42-year-old kidney donation

Updated: 3/29 12:37 pm | Published: 3/29 12:32 pm
Reported by: Emily Clark

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - 42 years ago a Utah man gave his brother a kidney. Back then, it was not a very common procedure and the fact they are both alive today is record breaking.

The Romero brothers will forever be connected, not just because they are related, but Fred has one of Eloy's kidneys.

Fred said, "We never really thought about transplants at the time, this was something new. He volunteered to give me a kidney and thankfully it turned out great."

It was 1970, Fred was very sick and his kidneys were failing. His big brother, just home from Vietnam, agreed to help.

Eloy said, "I didn't think about being afraid or nothing, he was brother and that's what brothers do."

In the 70s, there was not a national waiting list and transplants were only possible if a family member agreed to be a living donor. Making the Romero brother's situation, ideal.

ELOY said, "There was no thinking about it, nothing."

It has now been 42 years since the transplant, making Fred the oldest transplanted kidney recipient in the United States.

A transplant that made Fred's life, and his family, possible.

Friday the brothers were honored with the Yes Utah Award for their work to teach others the importance of being a donor.

Eloy said, "It brings a lot of joy to me and more people should really consider it."

http://www.abc4.com/content/news/state/story/Utah-brothers-celebrate-42-year-old-kidney/iOwUeGbITUCplQ8_LLvQzw.cspx