Transplant Patient Success Stories

Meet Scripps transplant patients: Real people. New lives.

Juan Ramos looking at the camera in a bright green soccer jersey holding a soccer ball, illustrating an active life after this kidney transplant.

Meet Scripps transplant patients: Real people. New lives.

Read inspiring stories of the real patients who were given a second chance at life with their transplant — thanks to the real people who gave selflessly and generously as an organ donor for another in need. Under the expert care of Scripps’ world-class physicians, hope and kindness have the power to change lives every day. 

Living Fully After Kidney Transplant

Juan Ramos, a kidney transplant patient, is standing in front of a goal with a soccer ball.

Living Fully After Kidney Transplant

After battling kidney failure, Juan Ramos stepped up to the field with determination and his Scripps care team. A decade after his life-changing transplant, he’s living fully, advocating for others, and proving that with the right game plan, you can achieve victory.

Game Plan for Survival

Brad Samuel transplant patient with shoes that say

Game Plan for Survival

When Hodgkin’s lymphoma threatened his life, Brad Samuel relied on his winning mindset and advanced care at the Scripps Blood and Marrow Transplant Program to overcome the disease - proving that a fighting spirit can make all the difference.

True Love Triumphs

Annabelle and Robert Villarreal share a kiss on a San Diego beach following Annabelle's successful kidney transplant.

True Love Triumphs

A San Diego woman receives a lifesaving kidney transplant at Scripps from the love of her life.

First Hero Walk

Hospital staff celebrate and high-five a patient  as part of the Scripps Hero Walk program that celebrates living transplant donors.

First Hero Walk

Staff and supporters lined the hallways to honor living kidney donor Hayley Gibbons at the first Hero Walk at Scripps Green Hospital.

Match Across the Miles

Two women share a moment after a successful kidney transplant where the donor match came from halfway across the country.

Match Across the Miles

When San Diego’s Jung Kim needed a kidney transplant to save her life, Bonny Perkins of Montana answered her prayers.