kidney – Midwest Transplant Network

A Life Changed in Hours: Josue’s Kidney Transplant Story

March 26, 2026/in

Josue was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease, along with Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome, a rare genetic condition that can affect growth and development. In those early hours, survival was uncertain.

When Josue Mendoza was born, his parents faced the unthinkable.

“After delivery, they flew him to Colorado, and that’s where we found out it was his kidneys,” said his mom, Judith. “They said that he was going to be lucky if he only lived like 24 hours.”

Josue was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease, along with Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome, a rare genetic condition that can affect growth and development. In those early hours, survival was uncertain. But Josue kept fighting.

He made it past 24 hours. Then another day. And another.

Still, the challenges remained. His kidneys continued to fail, and much of his early life was spent in and out of the hospital. His family traveled hours at a time for care, navigating long days and weekends centered around dialysis and treatment.

“Two years ago, he wasn’t walking or talking,” Judith said. “We were in the hospital five hours away from home every weekend dealing with dialysis machines.”

Everything changed on March 7, 2023.

That’s the day Josue received a life-saving kidney transplant.

“Life has changed since transplant. A lot,” Judith said. “Within hours, he started drinking water, he started eating.”

The transformation was almost immediate. What once felt uncertain began to fill with hope.

“A few months later, he started walking,” she said. “It’s amazing what a transplant can do.”

Today, Josue is a thriving 4-year-old with a bright personality and endless energy. He brings joy to everyone around him and is looking forward to milestones his family once feared might never come, like starting school and simply being a kid.

“He’s thriving now that he got his kidney,” Judith said.

Behind Josue’s second chance is the generosity of a donor hero and their family, whose decision made this new life possible.

Josue’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of organ donation. Because of that one selfless choice, a little boy who once faced impossible odds is now living a full and active life.

Learn more about organ donation at ShareLifeMidwest.com.

A Second Chance at 16: Titus’ Story of Hope

February 24, 2026/in

/by Mitch Weber

At 16, Titus Woods faced liver cancer not once, but twice.

At just 16 years old, Titus Woods has already shown what true courage looks like.

In March 2022, the high school junior and soccer player was diagnosed with liver cancer. What began as a typical season of school and sports quickly turned into doctor appointments, surgery and chemotherapy. Titus underwent surgery to remove part of his liver, followed by months of treatment.

Through it all, he kept his focus on getting back to the life he loved. Eventually, he returned to school, friends and the soccer field. For a while, it felt like things were moving forward.

Then, a year later, the cancer came back.

This time, Titus would need a liver transplant.

Leaning on Faith and Family

Titus’ parents, Tracey and Carmi, serve as hospital chaplains. Their work has long connected them to patients, families and the realities of organ donation. Even with that understanding, facing the transplant journey as parents brought a different perspective.

As Titus endured more treatments and the uncertainty of waiting for a transplant, the Woods family leaned deeply on their faith and the support of their community. Friends, extended family and their church surrounded them with encouragement and prayer.

Titus’ brother, Terrell, witnessed the physical and emotional toll up close. Watching someone you love suffer is never easy, but he also saw something else in Titus: resilience.

Despite the setbacks, Titus continued to push forward.

Another Unexpected Loss

In the midst of Titus’ medical battle, the family faced another devastating hardship. A house fire destroyed nearly everything they owned. It was yet another moment that could have broken their spirits.

Instead, they held tightly to gratitude for what remained and hope for what was ahead.

The Gift of Life

Two weeks after being listed for a transplant, Titus received the call. A donor family had made the selfless decision to give the gift of life.

The transplant was successful.

Today, Titus is growing stronger each day. He carries himself with new confidence and perspective. What he has endured has shaped him, but it has not defined him.

“It touches my heart, and I am so thankful to the donor family,” his mom, Tracey, shared. “His whole life has changed.”

A Voice for Hope

For Titus, courage means pushing through hardship with faith and hope. His journey has inspired not only his family but everyone who has followed his story.

Now, he uses his voice to advocate for organ donation, knowing firsthand the life-changing impact of one decision.

Because of a generous donor and their family, Titus has a future filled with possibility.

And because of stories like his, more families can see the power of saying yes to organ donation.

Watch Titus’ Story of Hope and learn more about organ donation at ShareLifeMidwest.com.

National Kidney Month is both a call to action and a message of hope

February 24, 2026/in

/by Mitch Weber

March is National Kidney Month, a time to focus on kidney health as a vital part of overall well-being. While we honor the generosity of kidney donors and celebrate recipients whose lives and health have been restored, this month challenges us to take proactive steps that help prevent kidney disease and keep more people off the transplant waiting list.

More than 35 million people in the U.S. are living with kidney disease, and over 102,000 individuals are currently waiting for a kidney transplant. In 2025, the generosity of 21,795 living and deceased kidney donors made 27,575 kidney transplants possible, an extraordinary reminder of the lifesaving power of donation.

National Kidney Month is both a call to action and a message of hope: prioritize kidney health through prevention and early detection, support those waiting for a transplant and consider registering as an organ, eye and tissue donor. Together, we can protect kidney health, reduce the need for transplantation and ensure lifesaving gifts are available when they are needed most.

The American Transplant Foundation offers guidance to help reduce the risk of kidney disease:

Get Screened: If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease, regular kidney function tests can help detect problems early.

Eat a Kidney-Friendly Diet: Focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins while limiting processed foods, excessive salt and sugary drinks.

Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water helps your kidneys function properly and flush out toxins.

Control Blood Sugar & Blood Pressure: Keeping these levels in check is essential for reducing the risk of kidney disease.

Avoid Excessive NSAIDs: Overuse of painkillers like ibuprofen and naproxen can damage the kidneys over time.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and managing stress can all contribute to better kidney health.

Make Time for Sleep: Aim to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night.

Join the organ, eye and tissue donor registry, read donor and recipient stories, or learn more about donation by visiting ShareLifeMidwest.com.

Midwest Transplant Network Kidney Donor/Recipient Stories

Personal stories help us understand the profound impact of organ, eye and tissue donation on health and wellbeing.

A Journey of Living Donation – Joey and Audrey Sughroue – Joey and Audrey Sughroue met when Joey learned he had a genetic kidney disease. Audrey hoped to be a match for Joey and donate her kidney, but she wasn’t. Eventually, they participated in a paired kidney exchange, a life-changing experience for both of them.

A Story of Hope – Jason Talk – Jason Talk learned he was in end-stage renal failure when he went to the hospital with swollen legs. He started dialysis soon after that. Years later, Jason received news that he was a transplant candidate, and shortly after being placed on the waitlist, he received the call that changed his life.

Resilience and Faith – Korbin Staten’s Journey – As a teenager, Korbin Staten discovered he had kidney disease. Six years later, he received a kidney transplant; unfortunately, the transplanted kidney faced two types of rejection. Korbin went back on dialysis but never lost resilience or faith. He was able to navigate adversity and eventually received a second transplant. With the support of his wife and medical team, Korbin has returned to full health.

Resources to explore if you’d like to join the National Kidney Registry or become a living donor:

How to Donate a Kidney

Steps to Become a Living Kidney Donor

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