The ultimate father's day gift
"I'd rather lose one kidney than lose my dad," said Eloisa Valdez, living kidney donor.
Adan Valdez, a hardworking husband, and father of 3, was diagnosed with end stage renal failure in June of 2024 with no previous history of health conditions. As a result, he was in dire need of a kidney transplant.
Adan worked for 22 years straight to provide for his family. "In all of those 22 years, he never took a day off, except one time," said Adan's wife, Carmen Valdez. "He never even asked for pain pills." His family always perceived Adan as a strong and confident man and never imagined him in a vulnerable state.
One day, Adan told Carmen he was not feeling well -- experiencing shortness of breath and fatigue. He was immediately taken to the emergency room where he was diagnosed with high blood pressure. Medical professionals provided him with medications to treat his condition and sent him home. Upon discharge, Adan suffered a heart attack. It was determined that both of his kidneys were failing, impacting the rest of his organs.
"I was in denial," shared Adan. His nephrologist in Brownsville, Texas, where he and his family are from, advised him to stop working and start dialysis, but Adan refused. He was the family's sole provider and did not want to be seen as a failure. He went on for about three months without dialysis, until a near death experience left him with no choice.
Carmen and Adan both visited their daughter, Eloisa, in Austin, Texas, to share the news. Initially, Carmen had tested without anyone knowing, but she was not a match. She cried a lot.
"As soon as I found out my dad was sick, I knew I had to do something," shared Eloisa. Determined to save her dad's life, Eloisa later tested and was a match for her dad. She was so excited, but her dad did not want to accept his daughter's kidney due to the potential risks. "My mom gave me life, but my dad is the reason I live a great life." Although Eloisa is a wife and a mother of six kids, she knew in her heart that this is what she wanted to do.
The kidney transplant took place on May 14, 2025. Right before surgery, Adan was semi-conscious and remembers seeing his daughter's kidney in a little box-- he couldn't believe it. His daughter was giving him a second chance at life. "I was reborn. I celebrate two birthdays now," says Adan.
This Father's Day Eloisa has given her father the greatest gift anyone could ever receive. They are one-month post-op and doing better than ever. Adan's message those suffering from kidney failure is - "Accept it. It is the reality. Dialysis gives you a chance to receive a transplant. Don't lose hope."
Eloisa's children look up to her now. "You're a superhero. You saved my grandpa." Eloisa's life changed for the better. Her diet has improved and exercises regularly, giving her more energy. "It's extremely rewarding, and life is so beautiful," said Eloisa.
"I see them [Eloisa and Adan] happier than ever and more united," shared Carmen. "Education is key." The family collectively shares they had an unforgettable experience at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant.