TESTIMONY STORIES

My Journey Through Kidney Failure: A Testimony of Hope and Healing

Going through kidney failure was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. There were so many uncertainties, fears, and moments where it felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders. But in the midst of it all, I held on to one truth — there is light at the end of the tunnel. And here’s the thing: you are the battery that powers that light.

What does that mean? It means you have to take charge of your health — your eating habits, regular exercise, and consistent doctor visits. There is no room for error when you’re preparing for the transplant journey. The preparation is not just physical — it’s mental, emotional, and spiritual. You must be all in.

When the big day came — the day of my transplant — I was terrified. I had no idea what to expect. But despite the fear, everything went well. The surgery was a success, and my recovery has been nothing short of amazing. I feel better than I ever have. I was blessed to receive a kidney from a 38-year-old donor, and I can literally feel the difference. My body is transforming day by day — not completely there yet, but definitely on the path. And hey, I still look 150! 😂💪🏾🙏🏾 — and I’m good with that.

I’ve learned that in this journey, you have to trust the process. Block out the negativity. People will always have opinions, especially those who’ve never walked in your shoes — but their opinions don’t determine your outcome. Listen to your doctors. Focus on your healing. The gossip column won’t fix you — you have to do the work.

If my story can inspire even one person to seek help, to fight, and to have hope in the face of kidney disease, then sharing it is worth it. Kidney disease is a horrible condition, and it takes a toll on every part of you. But with strength, faith, and support, you can make it through.

I’ll continue sharing my journey and more insights as I go. Thank you for reading, and I truly hope this testimony brings encouragement to anyone out there battling this disease.

God bless you, and never give up.

My Transplant Journey: From Fear to Faith

At one point, my kidneys were failing so badly that I had to live with a catheter — first internally for a year, then externally for another year and a half. It was a constant reminder of what I was going through. I was scheduled to start dialysis on a Tuesday… but then something incredible happened.

Just two days before, on a Sunday, I got the call — I had been matched for a double transplant.

I couldn’t believe it. I was overwhelmed with relief, joy, and a heavy dose of fear. I immediately got rid of the catheter and all the dialysis equipment they had delivered to my house. It felt like a new chapter was starting, but I was still anxious about what was to come.

I had seen the diagrams and read about how transplant surgery is done — and to be honest, it was terrifying. They literally take your body apart like a puzzle and put you back together again. 😳🧩 But when the time came, I had to man up and trust the process. 💪🏾🙏🏾

The surgery took 14½ hours in total. The first 10 hours were for the liver transplant. After a brief one-hour break, the team went back in for the kidney transplant, which took another 3 hours. Meanwhile, I was completely unaware, resting in what I call “La La Land.” 😌

Now, I’m sharing all of this in hopes that someone going through what I went through will be encouraged to take that next step — don’t wait, get it fixed if you can.

Today, I truly feel like a new person — not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally. I can feel something amazing within me. I believe that’s the presence, the essence, of the donor whose organs now help me live. I honor that. I carry it with gratitude and grace.

It doesn’t scare me — it reminds me that we’re all connected. That life is a gift. That help can come from the most unexpected places. I believe I carry a part of Eric Aguero, and I feel his spirit with me.

If sharing my story helps even one person push through their fears or get on the transplant list, then it’s worth every word.