Kimberly's Fight for Kidney & Pancreas Transplant

Hi my name is Kimberly Ochoa. I am 26 years old and currently on dialysis as I wait for a second transplant for my kidney and pancreas.

At the age of two I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Most of my life I’ve been faced with challenges when it comes to maintaining and overcoming health complications. Over the years, I’ve learned how to manage my diabetes and stay on top of my health but ultimately my diabetes lead to renal failure at the age of 18.

Because my kidney began to fail, I needed to begin dialysis immediately. In communication with the doctors at the time, they expressed their concerns about the likelihood of getting a pancreas and kidney transplant. The waitlist to get a kidney transplant alone is significant— the odds of having the opportunity to receive both transplants that are a match for my body type makes it more challenging.

But against all odds, I was given the humble opportunity at a better and healthier life later that year and received my double transplant.

Five years have passed and I’ve been noticing some changes happening with my body. I’ve been having challenges with my vision along with changes in my health. After multiple tests and check ups, it’s been brought to my attention that my body has rejected the kidney and pancreas.

This past year has been extremely difficult on my mental, emotional, and physical health. I am constantly back and forth from the hospital receiving dialysis and being treated for other health issues that have been causing me a significant amount of pain and discomfort. Though it’s been extremely rough, I still try my absolute best to remain optimistic about my situation. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about myself over the years is that I am far more stronger and resilient than I ever knew, and this too shall pass.

I’ve been traveling back and forth from Texas to Arizona for healthcare for the past 8 years as my doctors are based at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix and I currently live in El Paso. As I continue this path to get my second double transplant, I ask for any kind of help with my travel and medical expenses. I thank you in advance for giving my story the time of day and appreciate your best wishes. Any kind of support means the world to me and my family as we take on the road ahead of us. God bless.