By Orlando A. Torres, AAKP Ambassador
Receiving a kidney transplant on December 4, 2020, is one of life’s greatest blessings. My journey to transplantation was extraordinary — a story of faith, science, and the power of human kindness. I received my kidney through a paired kidney exchange, a program that allows two or more donor-recipient pairs to exchange kidneys so that each person in need can receive a compatible organ.
In my case, my own donor was not a direct match for me, but through the exchange, my donor gave a kidney to a stranger who was a match, while I received mine from another generous living donor. This chain of giving and receiving connected strangers through compassion and hope — people who may never have met otherwise are now forever bonded by life itself.
Since my transplant, I have experienced an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Returning to my community after surgery was a profound experience. I felt stronger, healthier, and full of purpose. Every breath, every sunrise, every simple joy of daily life feels like a miracle.
Equally beautiful has been witnessing how well my local donor is doing. Seeing her live a full, vibrant life after her donation fills me with peace and admiration. Knowing that she continues to thrive reminds me that donation not only saves lives but also enriches them.
I have had the privilege of meeting and staying in touch with my donor — the extraordinary person God allowed to give me this new life. That connection is deeply meaningful; it is a reminder that love, faith, and generosity can bridge any distance. I thank God every day for her courage, her kindness, and her gift.
Today, I dedicated my time to helping other patients who are still waiting for their transplant. I collaborate with organizations such as AAKP, National Kidney Foundation, and Dialysis Patient Citizens, supporting their initiatives for the benefit of renal patients. I share my story to offer hope and to remind others that miracles do happen — sometimes through the hands and hearts of complete strangers.
I am truly blessed. My journey has shown me that the spirit of giving is stronger than illness, and that when we open our hearts to help others, we all become part of something much greater than ourselves — a shared story of life, faith, and renewal.
AAKP Resources:
Read our Patient Profile article on Orlando Torres in the September/October 2021 issue of aakpRENALIFE magazine: https://aakp.org/magazine-id-20696.
Check out AAKP’s Kidney Transplant patient education web page https://bit.ly/AAKP-kidneytransplantation.
This article was originally published in the Jan./Feb. 2026 issue of aakpRENALIFE.
