Samantha Garza - Living Kidney Donor

Hi, my name is Samantha Garza, and I was blessed with an opportunity that would forever change my life in the most amazing and meaningful way. I have always said that I would love to be a part of something that is bigger than I am if ever given the chance. In 2019, I would get that chance and be blessed to help my brother-in-law, Edward Garcia. 

In 2006, Edward was blessed to receive his first successful kidney transplant. This new kidney would give him 10 wonderful years before he would find himself back in the dialysis chair and embarking on a familiar journey. The one that would lead him to being added to both the Living and Deceased Donor lists all while hoping and praying for his miracle to come. After a few years, he would even get that call everyone prays for, the one letting him know he had finally reached the top of the list. However, he would soon learn that even though he had reached the top of the list, the long wait was not over. Even at the top of the list, it could and would still be years before he could ever hope to receive his new kidney. When you are waiting for a new kidney, all stars have to align perfectly; this alignment can take time, and so often, it can take more time than a person has left to give.  

After great efforts made by the team at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant in San Antonio, Edward, like many others, would find himself reaching out to family and friends for help. I can only imagine the stress and burden this creates for one to ask the help of someone else to be selfless and want to give a piece of themselves willingly. In 2019, the request came to Edward’s family and friends, which would be the start of an amazing adventure that would elevate my life in the best, most magical way possible.     

Without hesitation or fear, I answered the need that had presented itself and felt a strong feeling from within pulling me toward this, and I knew this was what I had to do. This opportunity allowed me to re-evaluate everything from within and take deep reflection on my life as a whole. My answers would lead me to peace and validation that this was what I was meant to do at this time in my life. I realized that my life had greater purpose, and I still had a job to do, and it wasn’t just fate or destiny that I married my wonderful, amazing husband 20 years ago. There was a higher power at work here that was bigger and more than just little ol’ me falling in love with my husband. I was where I was supposed to be, and I was supposed to help my brother-in-law with a gift, but more so, help my family! My sister-in-law needed more time with her husband, and his two beautiful kids still needed their dad and still had so many firsts to share with him this is not how their story was supposed to end. This was not the last chapter but the first of many that still needed to be written. By donating my spare, they would have the chance at writing those unfinished chapters in their life book that would lead to so many beautiful memories and all those firsts that are still to come.

I was invited to go through all the required testing, which I did in less than two weeks and would learn that I was not a direct match. I was sad that I was not a direct match to Edward; however, I learned that I could still help if I wanted to. Excitedly I inquired about how I could still help, and this is when I learned about the Kidney Exchange Program at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant. I would still be donating on behalf of my brother-in-law and be able to help someone else while they found a match for my brother-in-law. Therefore, I was able to help more than just my brother-in-law. As part of the exchange, there would be two or more recipients receiving a kidney, my bother-in-law and the other person in need of a transplant.

We were put into the system with our first surgery date being scheduled for Friday, April 10, 2020. We would have a minor setback and our surgery would have to be rescheduled. During this time, it was important to stay positive and know there was a higher power at work and the timing was just not right.  I would not allow us to get discouraged and knew this was happening, just not sure when. We would then get the call that our surgery had been rescheduled to July 8, 2020. We were beyond excited, and we both had an amazing support system by our side. 

Our family, friends and employers were amazing throughout this entire process. We also had the amazing support of the entire transplant team. They were there for us every step of the way and very quick to respond to our calls and questions. This team and the support of all those we took on this amazing journey with us made this an easier and very smooth process. Our surgery was a success with minimal hospital stays for us both. I was in the hospital for two days and my brother-in-law was in for a total of four days. My pain was minimal, and if I could, I would do this again. I never considered being an organ donor before and now find myself telling others about how amazing this experience was. I would tell anyone who is considering being a living donor, do it! You will never look back and question why you did this, better yet, you may find yourself asking why you didn’t.

My brother-in-law and I are both doing great and living our best lives. I am back to my normal routine and living a healthier life than I did prior to my donation surgery. I have a better sense of purpose and living life with greater meaning. 

My dreams and aspirations are to create greater awareness around being a living donor and the Kidney Exchange Program. If I could do this, you can too! You too can be the answer to someone’s prayers and give someone the gift of LIFE! I welcome the opportunity to speak to anyone about my journey and offer them the support and guidance they need as they embark on their journey.