Two Brothers Show Their Love Through Living Donor Kidney Transplant at Methodist Dallas
At 21 years old, most of us are out exploring the world and the adventures
it has to offer us throughout our lives. When illness strikes, as it did
for Sergio Grifaldo, that world changes drastically. At this young age,
Sergio developed kidney failure and would need a
kidney transplant in Dallas.
In June of 2015, Sergio was diagnosed with autoimmune kidney disease that would require dialysis treatment three days a week. At this time, he was evaluated by transplant Nephrologist, Dr. Ifran Agha and placed on the kidney transplant list. Soon after, Sergio received a tremendous blessing as doctors determined that his 22-year-old brother, Francisco, was a perfect match to become a living donor! By offering a kidney, living donors offer their loved one or friend an alternative to waiting on the national transplant list for an organ from a deceased donor.
Two days before Thanksgiving, the Grifaldo brothers’ kidney transplant at Methodist Dallas was performed by two top-rated surgeons: Dr. Alejandro Mejia and Dr. Richard Dickerman. The surgery was a success, with Sergio feeling better just a few days after the surgery. Both Sergio and Francisco are expected to return home within just a few days.
“This is the best gift of my life that my brother ever gave to me. I am always going to be thankful.”After the kidney transplant here in Dallas, Sergio told reporters from NBC 5 that his big brother saved his life. “This is the best gift of my life that my brother ever gave to me. I am always going to be thankful,” he remarked. Sergio also credits Francisco with returning his energy and zest for life. He is now looking forward to what 2016 holds and fulfilling his dreams of completing the American naturalization process and a college education.
Francisco said “If you can do something for one of your family members, you don’t really think….you just do it.”When asked about his decision to become a living donor, Francisco said “If you can do something for one of your family members, you don’t really think….you just do it.” While both brothers say that they were close before the kidney transplant, this experience has brought them even closer together. The Grifaldo family has truly demonstrated a wonderful display of a brother’s love.
This living donor kidney transplant success story in Dallas was also covered by Telemundo in Spanish: Joven le da a su hermano el regalo de la vida.
Inspired by the Grifaldo brothers’ story? Find out how you can become a living donor today! Give the gift of life to someone in need through The Liver Institute at Methodist Dallas.