DAUGHTER GIVES DAD THE GIFT OF LIFE FOR FATHER’S DAY

Luis Rodriguez, kidney transplant patient; his daughter and donor, Stephanie Rodriguez; Giselle Guerra, M.D., medical director of the Living Kidney Donor Program, Miami Transplant Institute at UM/Jackson.

In October 2012, Luis Rodriguez was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. The father of three had only 22 percent kidney function and was told he would need a transplant. 53-year-old Luis was immediately put on dialysis. His children didn’t know about the diagnosis because he didn’t want them to worry.

However, his 23-year-old daughter Stephanie Rodriguez accidentally discovered his test results on the dining table, and immediately wanted to help. Without telling her father, Stephanie began all the medical tests required to determine if she would be a match and be able to donate her kidney to her dad.

 “I couldn’t see him go through dialysis. My dad is normally a funny, outgoing man.  But his medical condition had changed his personality,” said Stephanie. “He gave me life, and I knew that my kidney would give him more years and a better quality of life.”

When Stephanie learned she was a perfect match, she was eager to break the news to her dad. Though thankful for his daughter’s willingness to help, Luis wanted to make sure it was the right decision for her. “Up until hours before the surgery, I kept telling her that she still had time change her mind,” he said.

On May 13, 2013, Luis successfully underwent kidney transplantation at Jackson Memorial Hospital. “I love my dad so much,” she said. “There was never a doubt in my mind.” 
Luis is looking forward to living a long life and returning to work at Turner Construction. Stephanie, who says she’s daddy’s little girl, is looking forward to going fishing with her father again.

June

14, 2013, 1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Jackson Memorial Hospital 
Clark Diagnostic Treatment Center, room 252
Corner of Northwest 12th Avenue and 19th Street
Miami, FL 33136

Media can park outside of DTC.