WHO IS GISELA DELGADO ?
THIS GIRL NEEDS A KIDNEY
Born and Raised in The Bronx 1981
Diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy in 1994
RIT Graduate 2002
SkyDiver 2010
Married 2011
Tough Mudder Finisher (Barely) 2014
On UNOS List for Transplant 2017
Received Kidney Transplant via Living Donor (Brother) 2.28.19
I am outgoing. I love laughing. I love my partner, my family and my awesome friends. I love dogs. And I just LOVE Life. I have been fighting kidney disease since the age of 14, but on Thursday, July 20, 2017 things changed. My doctor looked at me and said "It is time".
I take care of my body and personal training has helped me feel powerful in a powerless situation. But when you have an autoimmune disease, it’s hard for people to recognize that you are sick. I still work full time, lead philanthropic efforts, hang out with family and friends - with no obvious “you look sick” vibes. But I am sick and I need a kidney.
I am going full steam ahead to find “Jack” aka My New Kidney. Because…Three’s Company*. *Three’s Company refers to the fact that they add a 3rd kidney during transplant. They don’t actually remove my existing pair.
On Thursday, February 28, 2019 I received a life saving transplant via a living donor. My brother saved my life.
To everyone that has reached out, joined my team, given me a hug - Thank You.
All I ask now, is to please help me spread the word about living donation and save others.
Gisela
