October 02, 2025
When Gerardo’s kidneys failed, it wasn’t just his life at risk—it was his family’s future. As their sole provider, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Then his wife, Mónica, stepped forward with a life-changing gift: her kidney. Read on to learn how her donation gave their family hope and healing.
Gout and Early Kidney Problems
At just 25, Gerardo was diagnosed with gout, a form of arthritis that happens when uric acid builds up in the blood and forms sharp crystals in the joints.
Without treatment, gout can harm the kidneys, which are responsible for filtering uric acid from the blood.
“I didn’t have enough money for consistent treatment in my home country of Ecuador,” Gerardo said. “I went to the doctor once, then took over-the-counter medication on my own to manage symptoms.”
But skipping follow-ups and relying on over-the-counter medication made things worse. Over time, his kidneys suffered damage.
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Facing the Reality of Kidney Disease
In 2002, Gerardo moved to the United States. Believing he was managing his gout, he didn’t seek medical care until his pain grew worse.
“In 2020, I went to the doctor,” Gerardo recalled. “He said I might have kidney issues and suggested I see a nephrologist (kidney doctor).”
Blood and urine tests confirmed he had late-stage kidney disease.
“My kidney function was declining quickly,” Gerardo said. “I was the first in my family to face this. We didn’t know how the kidneys worked or whether kidney failure could be cured.”
Why Healthy Kidneys Matter
Your kidneys:
- Filter waste from the blood
- Balance fluids in the body
- Help control blood pressure
Once kidney damage occurs, it usually can’t be reversed. Still, Gerardo did everything he could to protect the function he had left.
“I learned about a kidney-friendly lifestyle,” he said. “I changed my eating habits, avoided alcohol, and took better care of myself.”
Despite his best efforts, his kidney function kept declining.
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Living on Dialysis While Supporting His Family
By 2022, Gerardo’s kidney function had dropped to just 10%. He had no choice but to begin dialysis.
“I chose home dialysis so I could continue working,” Gerardo said. “I did peritoneal dialysis (PD) for eighteen months.”
While Gerardo was grateful for the treatment that allowed him to continue taking care of his family, it was draining.
“The routine was exhausting,” Mónica said. “He spent 40 minutes every night connecting to the machine. He also woke up four or five times during the night to deal with PD alarms.”
Watch videos by patients to learn about kidney disease treatment options.
A Valentine’s Day Kidney Donation
Mónica learned that transplant teams only approve donors if they can live healthy, full lives with one kidney. She decided to step in.
“He was tired, stressed, and sick,” she said. “I decided to donate my kidney. I was determined to help him."
A year of tests later, the news finally came.
“On January 3, 2024, I learned I was approved to donate,” Mónica said. “When I told Gerardo, he broke down in tears. It was one of the most beautiful moments of our lives.”
Life After Transplant
Two months later, on Valentine’s Day, Mónica successfully donated her kidney to her husband.
“My husband’s perseverance through dialysis was incredible,” Mónica said. “It inspired me to donate. What better Valentine’s gift than giving someone you love the chance to live fully?”
Today, the couple is enjoying life without the burden of dialysis.
“My life changed completely. I feel healthy and able to continue caring for my family,” Gerardo said. “I owe it all to my amazing wife, my transplant team, and organizations like NKF for providing education.”
