Denise Vasquez and Kathy Wheatley, diehard Chicago Cubs fans, met in 2022 at a Cubs spring training event—a connection that would ultimately save Denise’s life. Diagnosed in 2008 with a rare kidney disease, Denise managed her condition for years, but by 2023, doctors told her she needed a kidney transplant.
When the two reunited at spring training in 2024, Kathy learned about Denise’s condition and immediately stepped up, hoping to be her donor. In October, testing confirmed she was a match. The transplant was performed on January 7, 2024, at Dignity Health Saint Joseph’s Norton Thoracic Institute in Phoenix.
Just over a month later, Denise is thriving. “My blood is being filtered, my kidney is working great, and best of all, no more dialysis,” she said. Kathy, 66, says she would do it all over again if she had another kidney to give. The two now look forward to spending many more Cubs games together.
First published 2025-02-13 18:58:14
LIVING DONOR GUIDANCE
If this story involves a need for a living donor and you are interested in exploring giving the Gift Of Life to that person, or you just want to explore living donation for someone in need, click below to get started.
Or copy and paste this link into your browser:
https://nkr.donorscreen.org/register/now?src=txpnews
For reference, copy and save this story’s URL in the address bar if you are exploring donating to the person featured.
Thank you for considering becoming a living donor and giving the Gift Of Life. 💚
All potential donors undergo medical evaluation to determine eligibility.
