AUSTIN, Texas — April is National Donate Life Month, honoring the gift of organ donations. One Austin man gave his brother the ultimate gift: his kidney for a lifesaving transplant.
Richard Dominguez grew up with a condition called polycystic kidney disease.
"Basically a disease that causes cysts to grow on the kidneys," Richard Dominguez said.
His younger brother is Aaron Dominguez. They were born three years apart and have a strong bond.
"Since the day I can remember, I always wanted to be like him," Aaron Dominguez said.
"He means the world to me," Richard Dominguez said.
Over the years, Richard Dominguez's symptoms got worse.
"In 2019, I was hospitalized. I was on emergency dialysis. They took 100 pounds of water weight in a month, continued dialysis," Richard Dominguez said.
The condition got so bad that, at the age of 39, Richard Dominguez was in need of a kidney transplant. His brother stepped up to the plate.
"I wanted to be there for him because he's always protected me," Aaron Dominguez said.
"Very touching to know I was going to get a second chance. To know he would do that for me – you know, there is no greater gift," Richard Dominguez said.
Dr. Debra Doherty at Baylor Scott & White helped perform the transplant.
"It’s kind of an all-day process – starts at 7 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. They did amazing. Immediately, the kidney started working," Doherty said.
Both brothers spent several days recovering. Richard Dominguez said ever since, he's felt great.
"Making the most of it. Without you, I wouldn't be here right now, so thank you," Richard Dominguez told his brother.
Around 100,000 people are in need of a kidney transplant nationwide. Baylor Scott & White said on average, patients wait up to four years for a kidney transplant.