Faith, Friendship, and the Gift of Life: A Priest's Journey Through Kidney Transplant
Father Raymund Reyes recently underwent a successful kidney transplant at Sutter Health CPMC, where he received a kidney from his fellow priest, Father Francis Garbo. Reyes, a priest at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in South San Francisco, had been battling kidney disease since 2019 and eventually required dialysis. Despite initial hesitations about asking for help, Reyes was encouraged by his care team to seek a living donor due to the long wait for a deceased donor organ. Father Garbo, stationed at Mission Delores Basilica and Mission San Francisco de Asis, turned out to be a perfect match for Reyes after undergoing tests. The transplant surgery took place in January, and both priests are now on the road to recovery.
Reyes expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from parishioners, including four fellow priests, who volunteered to be tested as potential donors. Despite not finding a match among the initial volunteers, Garbo eventually stepped forward and was found to be a suitable donor. The surgery was a success, and Reyes, who had been debilitated by dialysis, now feels like he has regained his strength and mobility. The two priests, who have been friends in the ministry for decades, are now connected through this life-saving transplant.
Dr. Shiang-Cheng Kung, the medical director of Sutter Health’s Living Donor Program, highlighted the importance of living donors in reducing the wait time for organ transplants. He emphasized that many people on the deceased donor waiting list may not survive the long wait, making living donors crucial in saving lives. This heartwarming story of friendship and generosity serves as a poignant reminder during National Donate Life Month, encouraging more people to consider becoming living donors.
As Reyes prepares to return to his duties at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, he plans to use his experience to inspire and support others in need of transplants. He acknowledges the emotional challenges faced by patients undergoing treatment and hopes to be a source of comfort and hope for those going through similar struggles. Both Reyes and Garbo are looking forward to sharing a service together at St. Augustine’s in May, celebrating their bond and the gift of life that has brought them even closer.