Valley woman shares story of kidney donation from coworker

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- In February of 2021, Gloria Rodriguez was given a life-altering diagnosis.

"I found out I was in kidney failure," she said. "My kidneys were at 17 percent at that time. Never did I know I was really, really sick."

So sick, she turned to family, including her then-fiance, who discovered a cancerous cyst on his own kidney during an MRI.

"He was devastated," Gloria said. "He was like, 'I wanted to give you my kidney, but it went in the trash.'" Little did we know, it did come back cancerous and the doctor says, 'If we hadn't found it, he wouldn't be here.' It was a blessing in disguise. I saved him."

Last May, Gloria took extreme measures, turning to social media to post her desperate plea for a new kidney.

"I put it up there, and I figured people aren't going to read it, people aren't going to follow through," she said. "I got a lot of hits."

She received dozens of replies, each with the same sentiment: prayers, praying.

One reply came through with three simple questions: "Where, when, and how do I proceed to help?"

"I get a phone call," Gloria said. "I didn't expect it, and it was Inez. She (Inez) called me and she says, 'Gloria, I'm going to help you.'"

But at 69 years old, would her kidney be viable?

After undergoing 13 months of tests, my mother learned her kidney was healthy for donation, but would she be a perfect match with Gloria?

"After my initial visit with the doctor, I called the nurse," Gloria said. "She goes, 'Yes, you're a match!' I'm actually getting Inez's kidney. It was beautiful."

In early June, just two weeks before receiving my mother's kidney, Gloria revealed in front of the wedding guests that she had a match.

The emotion of the moment was overwhelming the now-bonded group of three.

"We were co-workers -- little did we know we're going to be family for life," Gloria said.

The two announced their surgery date, scheduled for June 19 at UCSF Medical.

"I want to thank her from the bottom of my heart to the bottom of my little kidney, and just keep us in your prayers," Gloria said.

The night before the surgery, my mother was preparing for a two-day stay in San Francisco.

Early on the morning of June 20, my mother was ready to donate the gift of life as she arrived at UCSF Medical, walking into the surgical check-in.

Just before 6 am, her recipient was waiting with open arms.

The pair headed to Pre-Op before heading into the operating room, where they'd each undergo procedures that would last between five to seven hours.

The kidney transfer was a success after operating from 7 am until mid-afternoon.

"It happened so fast," Inez said. "I don't even remember going into the room."

The next morning, my mother was up and walking, one kidney less.

It's been six months since the pair underwent kidney donation -- both women are thriving.

"Now I have her here on my right-left quadrant, and I take her everywhere," Gloria said.

They have a message for those considering kidney donation.

"If you can do something today for someone, do it," Inez said. "Tomorrow's not promised."

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