The Power of Living Kidney Donation at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego
At just 1 year and 7 months old, Nathaniel’s mother, Maria, noticed something unusual—he was drinking excessive amounts of water, and his belly appeared larger than normal. Concerned, she took him to the doctor, where tests revealed devastating news: Nathaniel had kidney disease.
From that moment forward, his childhood revolved around doctor’s visits, blood tests every two months, and close monitoring of his kidney function under the care of Elizabeth Ingulli, M.D. A specialist in pediatric kidney transplants, Dr. Ingulli now serves as the medical director of the Kidney Transplant Program at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego and is a professor of pediatrics at UC San Diego.
Despite these challenges, Nathaniel stayed active, passionate about soccer, playing with his dogs, and boxing. But by the time he turned 13, his body had outgrown what his underdeveloped kidney could support. With only 30% function in his one working kidney, the time had come for a transplant.
Around 2,100 children are on the national transplant waiting list, half of them diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease. Many of these young patients face years of waiting, but living donations can drastically shorten this time, allowing children to return to school, play sports, and enjoy a healthy, active life much sooner. Living donors offer children not just a second chance but the possibility of a future free from dialysis and extended hospital stays.
In 2001, UC San Diego established its pediatric abdominal transplant program at Rady Children’s. Since then, the team at Rady Children’s has performed more than 250 kidney transplants, providing lifesaving care to children in need.
The road to transplantation was not easy. Nathaniel began dialysis in May 2024, a process that was expected to last only two months but extended to four due to an infection. Three days a week, he spent five hours undergoing dialysis. For Maria, an active mom always on the move, sitting through these long sessions was difficult. For Nathaniel, the hardest part was the lifestyle restrictions—he had to limit physical activity and give up his beloved potatoes due to dietary limitations. Throughout this challenging time, Rafael, Nathaniel’s dad, was an unwavering source of strength. He provided constant support and played a crucial role in smoothing the difficulties encountered during their many hospital visits.
After four long months of dialysis, it was time for a transplant. Nathaniel’s biological father, Daniel, provided the ultimate gift, volunteering to be a living donor. Though he had been unable to care for Nathaniel when he was younger, Daniel had turned his life around and was now ready to give his son the ultimate gift: a kidney. The transplant was scheduled for Oct. 31, 2024—a Halloween that would mark a new beginning for Nathaniel.
Daniel underwent surgery at UC San Diego Health, where his kidney was removed and immediately transplanted into Nathaniel at Rady Children’s. Knowing he had given his son a second chance at life made every moment worth it.
Living donations, like Daniel’s, offer significant advantages over transplants from deceased donors. Kidneys from living donors typically last longer and have a lower risk of rejection, making them a crucial option for children with end-stage kidney disease. These donations provide a lifeline, offering renewed hope to thousands of children awaiting a transplant.
For Nathaniel, the transplant was life-changing. He was back on his feet in just a week, supported by the incredible nursing team at Rady Children’s. His body adjusted well, and before long, he returned to the activities he loved—playing soccer, practicing boxing (without contact), attending school, and spending time with his beloved dogs.
Today, Nathaniel is thriving—a happy, active, and social 14-year-old with a bright future ahead. Living kidney donation is not just about extending life—it’s about restoring it, allowing children like Nathaniel to grow, dream, and play without limits.
Rady Children’s is committed to raising awareness about the importance of living organ donation. The generosity of donors like Daniel can transform lives and give children the futures they deserve. To learn more about becoming a living donor, visit Living Donor Program | Rady Children’s Hospital.