When Toni's vibrant 13-year-old daughter Jemmi began sleeping excessively and experiencing frequent vomiting, she knew something was wrong. After numerous doctor visits and an urgent trip to the ER during a family vacation in Puerto Rico, the devastating diagnosis came: Jemmi’s kidneys were failing. Toni was eager to donate her kidney but she wasn’t a direct match, so she opted to participate in a paired donation program. In November 2023, Toni altruistically donated her kidney to someone in need, and just twelve days later Jemmi received her gift of life. Over a year post-surgery, Jemmi is thriving, and Toni is profoundly grateful to everyone who supported their journey. “To every mother and caregiver: your strength and love make miracles possible,” said Toni. Learn more and #SayYestoDonation at giftofhope.org #AMATAAPI #AAPIHeritageMonth #DonateLife (fb)

“Every day you wake up, and you’re like, ‘Is today going to be the day?’” For Sejal Patel, that question became a constant companion during her long and uncertain transplant journey. In 2009, Sejal received the life-changing gift of a kidney and pancreas transplant after nearly a year on the waiting list. For a decade, her new organs sustained her through work, family milestones and daily joys. But when her kidney began to fail, she found herself back in familiar territory—waiting. “It puts your life on hold,” she reflects. “There’s so much uncertainty and it touches every part of your world.” In 2021, Sejal underwent dialysis while awaiting a second kidney transplant. The experience was physically and emotionally draining, but she stayed grounded in her hope and the support of her community. That November, she received a second kidney and with it, another chance at life. Now, Sejal uses her voice to advocate for organ donation, particularly in Asian American & Pacific Islander communities where cultural and religious beliefs sometimes hinder registration. “There are so many myths and fears,” she says. “But I’m living proof of what donation can do—not just for one life, but for everyone connected to it.” For Sejal, resilience means more than enduring hardship—it means finding purpose in the wait and turning gratitude into action. Learn more about donation and register as an organ, eye and tissue donor at giftofhope.org #AMATAAPI #AAPIHeritageMonth #DonateLife (fb)