The ultimate early Christmas present: Saving your best friend with the gift of life
Transplant is AdventHealth Transplant Institute’s 5000th kidney transplant
Myra Segarra and Kaile Daffron met in 2008 while at the University of Central Florida. Their close friendship took an unexpected turn when Myra’s lupus caused kidney disease and Kaile stepped up to be a living organ donor.
“I mean, how could I not (be her donor)? One of my dear friends needs something that I have and do not need, said Daffron. “If I had two sandwiches and she's hungry and needs a sandwich, I would give her my other sandwich.”
Segarra received her diagnosis in 2020 during the holidays.
“I love Christmas, I love to decorate,” said Segarra. “We did not even put up a tree that year. Just because it would have been too taxing.”
She was doing dialysis four hours a day, three days a week. The kidney disease worsened, and doctors told Segarra she would need a transplant at AdventHealth Transplant Institute. And with the 2024 holiday season on the horizon, her beloved best friend never hesitated.
"It's amazing what a selfless act that she was able to do for me. And I'm forever grateful for her and her friendship and the gift of life,” Segarra said.
Daffron’s selfless gift of life now means that for the first time in four years, Segarra will spend the holidays without having to worry about kidney disease. It is a gesture she calls the best Christmas gift she has ever received.
“Kaile made an incredible sacrifice in order to give this gift, and went through an operation, when she didn't need to, in order to help Myra. I can't think of anything more cheerful for the holidays than that sort of gift,” said Dr. Ryan Day, director of the AdventHealth Transplant Institute’s living donor program, who along with Dr. Thomas Chin, kidney transplant medical director, led the twin surgical teams.
More than 100,000 men, women, and children (about the seating capacity of Daytona International Speedway) are currently waiting for a lifesaving transplant in the U.S. according to the United Network for Organ Sharing. Florida residents can sign up to be an organ donor at https://www.donatelifeflorida.org.
"Giving the gift of life [is] the greatest gift you can give someone. And if you can, please consider it,” Segarra said.
To watch and learn more about Myra Segarra’s transplant journey, click the video at the top of the page.
12 items. To interact with these items, press Control-Option-Shift-Right Arrow. These items are in a slider. To advance slider forward, press Shift-Command-Right Arrow. To advance slider backward, press Shift-Command-Left Arrow.
Press Release
AdventHealth Welcomes Wilky Briette as Vice President of Human Resources and Chief People Officer for Hendersonville and Polk
News
Making the Grade: AdventHealth Waterman Earns an “A” for Orthopedic Surgery
Recognized among America’s best in Money’s first national orthopedic surgery rankings
News
‘Like a Miracle’: Minimally invasive TenJet procedure ends woman’s chronic hip pain
For years, Laura O’Brien lived with persistent pain in her hip. It made daily tasks like walking, standing, and sleeping difficult. Relief finally came from an unexpected source: a handheld device the...
News
Pregnancy and childbirth, mental health, basic needs among top health concerns for Central Florida
Thousands of residents across Central Florida contributed their voices to identify the region’s most pressing health challenges.
News
A dietitian explains how to eat healthy without overspending
A registered dietitian with AdventHealth Diabetes Institute debunks the myths about eating healthy — and how to do it without overspending
News
Strong Legs, Long Life: Dr. Chad Maurer on the Power of Lower Body Strength
When it comes to living longer and maintaining independence, your legs may be more important than you think. According to Dr. Chad Maurer, a primary care physician at AdventHealth Medical Group...
News
AdventHealth Palm Coast earns new recognition for age-friendly care
AdventHealth Palm Coast has earned new national recognition for its care of older adults. Just six months after earning its initial Level 1 designation, the hospital has advanced to a Level 2 Age...
News
AdventHealth Daytona Beach unveils bold vision at first State of the Hospital address
More than 100 local leaders, clinicians and community partners gathered recently for AdventHealth Daytona Beach’s first State of the Hospital address for a look at how the hospital is evolving to meet...
News
UChicago Medicine AdventHealth hospitals nationally recognized for commitment to providing high-quality stroke care
Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines.
News
“It’s Not Normal, But It’s Common”: PA-C Lisa Zwiers on Urinary Leakage in Athletes
Urinary leakage is a challenge many athletes face—often during or after exercise—due to the stress placed on the pelvic floor through strenuous or repetitive movements. Lisa Zwiers, PA-C, with...
News
The Hidden Dangers of Tylenol: Insights from Dr. Mauricio Orrego
Acetaminophen, commonly known by the brand name Tylenol, has been a staple in medicine cabinets since its clinical introduction in 1955.
Video
UChicago Medicine AdventHealth and EMS teams reunite with cardiac survivor
This heartwarming reunion and the success of this case underscore the impact of early symptom recognition, coordinated EMS response, and hospital readiness.