Be There for Leonardo: Transplant and Hope

Let's start from the beginning.

I'm Leonardo Santiago. I have End Stage Kidney Failure. Before all this happened, I had just turned 19, just started working at my local County Jail. I was very dedicated to my work and was looking forward to starting my journey on becoming a licensed Peace Officer.

I started noticing I was feeling very sick and eventually went to the doctor's office. I was told to head to the emergency room immediately. Not knowing exactly what was going on, I just kept my head held high, praying and wondering what they saw. After almost immediately given a room, I just kept myself calm for my sake and my now Wife.

I specifically remember watching Home Alone 2 while waiting for a room to be found for me. Eventually, I was given a room on the only floor that I would continue to be given anytime I would go to the hospital, 4 West.

The next morning, I was given life-changing news: I had End Stage Kidney Failure.

Not knowing the gravity of the news just given to me, my only question was, "When can I go back to work?" Everyone looked at me so confused when I asked a serious question. I would then go through so much trauma, mentally and physically, that to the normal person would seem unreal.

2022 would then be the year of so many hospital visits. I would enter the hospital at least once every month. I still continued to work as much as I could, even when looking so pale and feeling so sick. 2023 was the year of unexplained seizures and would also be the year that I would come close to passing away.

Everyday things such as being able to eat whatever and whenever were taken from me. Normal sleep was taken from me. Even just being able to use the restroom was taken from me. My body was changed in every single aspect. With this happening to me at such a young age, I felt a sense of why, looking at everyone my age, thinking no one would understand my pain and suffering.

For anyone who knows me, I am a very bright person. I always have a smile and try to always look on the bright side of things. Even with everything that has happened, I have continued to keep a strong mentality.

It's weird to say, but I always say I am kind of happy that this all happened. I have a very different outlook on life. I have grown so much mentally, and I am just much closer with everyone involved in my life. My support system through my partner, family, and friends has gotten better, and I continue to fight for everyone that is counting on me.

Not sure if anyone knows, but getting sick is VERY expensive even before transplant. Thankfully, I have government and program assistance, but I am only just being able to live a minimal way of living. This fundraiser is to help with medical bills, medication, and when the time comes for transplant, food and lodging. FUN FACT: When transplant happens, I will have to stay near the hospital for around 6 weeks, and they are nowhere near Lubbock.

I want to give a big THANK YOU to anyone that donates. Every cent counts, and I cannot express how much this means to us. IF anyone wants to make the ultimate donation of donating a Kidney, please message me personally, and I will give you all the details. If you are not able to donate, PRAYERS are always appreciated.

you can contact me on any of my social media accounts!

Thank you - Leonardo Torres-Santiago