Fresno colleagues form lifelong bonds after kidney transplant

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — March is National Kidney Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about kidney disease prevention and treatment options.

Doctors say that if the kidneys fail, the only options are dialysis or a kidney transplant.

“If you’re just a coworker, you don’t say, ‘One day this person is going to give me a kidney,'” Frank Marquez said. “Well, it never even crosses my mind.”

But for Marquez and Sandy Williams, that’s exactly what happened.

The two began working together at DaVita Dialysis Center in 2012 and quickly became friends.

“Frank, he’s a very caring, loving person,” Williams said. “Everyone knows Frank. Everyone loves him. He just has a big heart.”

Through their friendship, Marquez told Williams about health issues such as heart disease and kidney disease.

“I just said, ‘Oh, my health isn’t that great. If that happens, I might have to go on dialysis,'” Marquez recalled.

Williams responded, “Frank, why don’t you see if I’m right for you? He was like, ‘Really? Are you sure?'” I think, “Yes, yes, of course.” ”

Colleagues were matched after extensive screening and evaluation. The transplant took place last July, and not a day has gone by since then that Marquez doesn’t express his gratitude to Williams.

“I am grateful every day that she gave me a second chance at life,” he said. “She is my angel from heaven.”

More than 100,000 people need a transplant, and 90% of those waiting need a kidney, according to the nonprofit United Network for Organ Sharing.

Marquez and Williams, who work with patients with kidney disease, understand the benefits of living kidney donation.

“Most patients die before they even have a chance to receive a transplant,” Williams explained. “So the need is definitely there.”

If you are interested in becoming a living kidney donor, please visit: National Kidney Registry Website.

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