In 2013, Karla was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, a kidney disease that can lead to loss of kidney function. Under the expert care of Dr. Bijal Patel, a board-certified nephrologist (kidney doctor) affiliated with Sharp Community Medical Group and Sharp Memorial Hospital, Karla’s care team slowed the progression of her disease.
Eight years later, however, Karla’s disease had advanced to kidney failure. At the age of 27, she would need a new kidney or have to start dialysis. A pre-emptive kidney transplant – a transplant that occurs before a patient has started dialysis – was Karla’s best hope to improve her quality of life.
Caleb, Karla’s best friend since high school, heard that she was in urgent need of an organ transplant. He decided to become a living donor, providing his kidney – and a new lease on life – to his best friend.
Learn more about Karla and Caleb’s heartfelt journey with living donation. Dr. Marquis Hart, a board-certified transplant surgeon at Sharp Memorial Hospital who performed Caleb’s surgery, also shares the importance of living donation.
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kidney donation,living donor,organ transplant,organ donation,Dr. Marquis Hart,Sharp Memorial Hospital