Kidneys for Communities, a nonprofit organization dedicated to facilitating kidney donations in communities across the United States, has recently announced the launch of a new program called Kidneys for First Responders. The Kidneys for First Responders initiative seeks to connect EMTs, firefighters, and police officers fighting end-stage kidney disease with a possible kidney donor.
"The last few years reshaped how we define our communities and what connects us," said CEO of Kidneys for Communities Atul Agnihotri. "One might reach across the fence to help their neighbor, while another reaches across the country to support a larger community. The Kidneys First Responders initiative connects those who want to support firefighters, EMTs and police officers by facilitating the living kidney donation."
According to Kidneys for Communities, the organization has successfully facilitated its first kidney transplant, supplying New York City Police Officer Melissa Quinones with a healthy kidney. Quinones received an end-stage renal disease diagnosis in 2018, and was unable to find a successful donor match among the many friends and family who offered to donate.
"As an officer, there are many challenging situations that I encounter, yet at the same time, I experience so much good within the community I have," Quinones said. "I might never know the donor, but their appreciation of my commitment to serve is a beacon of hope empowering me to do even more to make a difference in the lives of others."
Quinones has served on the NYPD for 18 years, and following her transplant, returned to active duty after four months.
According to Kidneys for Communities, kidney disease in recent years has emerged as a prominent cause of death in the United States, surpassing breast cancer and prostate cancer. An estimated 37 million Americans are affected by kidney disease, with 90% unaware of their condition, according to the CDC. The Organ Procurement and Transplant Network reported that around 13 individuals lose their lives every day while awaiting a kidney transplant.
