Giancarlo Cancel Vázquez lived with chronic kidney disease since the age of 12, when he was diagnosed with bilateral hydronephrosis. At the age of 14, Giancarlo had his left kidney removed, then, at the age of 27, his right kidney—meaning he had to begin hemodialysis. 

Meanwhile, Giancarlo waited for a kidney transplant. On his mother’s birthday, Giancarlo received his lifesaving kidney. That day Giancarlo and his mom experienced every emotion all at once, fear, happiness, satisfaction, and joy. 

Giancarlo remembers telling his mother, “You always wanted me to be born on your birthday, and it couldn’t be, however, I was born again on this great day by receiving this second chance of life.”  

Understanding kidney disease and embracing it throughout his life was a long journey, full of many lessons. Giancarlo is thankful for his donor hero and their family. He credits the support of his family, friends, nursing team, doctors, his “seat neighbors,” along with his drive to live, walk and understand his body for helping him recover. Being able to embrace challenges and adversities makes him a happy and complete person, living authentically.