Jessica Gonzales was just 27 when she was diagnosed with lupus, an autoimmune disease that is more prevalent among both African Americans and Latinos and can lead to organ failure. Jessica was unable to continue working as a teacher’s aide and missed special family occasions as the disease damaged her kidneys and later led to liver cancer.
Thanks to a kidney and liver transplant, Jessica is healthier than ever, working alongside her sister and joyfully sharing life with her two daughters. “I was bedridden a lot of the time. I was very sick. There are so many things I missed out on that I get to enjoy now. I have so much to look forward to. I have freedom. I have hope,” Jessica said.
Jessica added: “I thank my donor and his family every day.”