Navarro College student organ donor

Published: April 06, 2009 09:56 pm

Navarro College student organ donor

From Staff Reports

When Maria Cervantes graduated from Avalon High School in 2008, she was awarded an Opening Doors to Success Scholarship to attend Navarro College. Consequently, college officials were concerned when the fall semester began, and she had not yet enrolled in classes. When contacted, Cervantes explained that she might not be able to attend because of a family health issue. Cervantes was scheduled to donate a kidney to her younger sister, who suffered from chronic kidney disease and was on dialysis. Since the transplant surgery had not been scheduled at the time, Cervantes was reluctant to begin classes, have her studies interrupted, and then have to miss an extensive number of classes. College officials encouraged Cervantes to enroll with the understanding that instructors would work with her if her attendance was affected. Cervantes began classes in September, did well, and enrolled for spring classes.

Doctors performed the transplant surgery Jan. 26, 2009, and the operation was successful. Cervantes reported the new kidney began functioning immediately when her sister received it. Both young women have recuperated rapidly and have returned to their normal routines. Cervantes downplays her gift of life, remarking, “She’s my sister. She would have done the same for me if the situation had been reversed. I am glad I was a good match.” When asked what Cervantes’ major is in college, not surprisingly, she responded, that she would be studying nursing.

http://www.corsicanadailysun.com/news/local_story_096225419.html