For Father's Day, many dads receive traditional gifts. But for Jose Calixto, 56, this year's gift was extraordinary: a life-saving kidney donated by his son, Jonathan, 30. Weeks before the holiday, Jonathan underwent surgery to give his father a healthy kidney, a decision he made without hesitation.

Jose, a former New York City building porter, discovered he had kidney disease a decade ago during a routine check-up, a consequence of medications he'd taken earlier in life. While manageable for years, his condition worsened in mid-2021, requiring him to begin dialysis. This grueling treatment, three times a week for four hours each session, left him weakened and eventually led to his retirement and hospitalization. A transplant became his only hope for survival.

Jonathan's understanding of kidney donation was limited at the time, but his decision to help his father was immediate. The pair embarked on a series of tests at Mount Sinai Hospital's specialized transplant center to assess their compatibility. The first hurdle was blood type compatibility, a crucial factor in preventing immediate rejection of the transplanted organ. Fortunately, a paired exchange program exists for incompatible blood types.

Next came tissue matching, specifically looking at human leukocyte antigens (HLAs). As parent and child, they had a 50% chance of a match, higher than unrelated donors. The final step was a serum cross-match, mixing their blood to identify any antibodies that might trigger rejection.

In February 2023, they received the good news: they were a match. The weeks leading up to the surgery involved meetings with surgical teams and repeated confirmations of Jonathan's commitment. Despite potential impacts on his burgeoning media career, Jonathan's focus remained on his father's well-being.

Initially, Jose was hesitant, concerned about the impact on his son. Over time, with research and discussions, he grew more comfortable, although his son's health remained his primary concern. While kidney transplants carry inherent risks like bleeding, infection, and medication reactions, the Calixtos' procedure on March 29 went smoothly, with both experiencing no major complications. Jonathan was discharged the following day, while Jose returned home three days later, his body accepting the new kidney.

Post-surgery monitoring is crucial for both donor and recipient, involving regular check-ups and bloodwork analysis to ensure proper kidney function and medication adjustments. Two months later, both are recovering well. Jose is dialysis-free, his energy and appetite returning, and he anticipates a full recovery within six months. He is filled with renewed hope for a healthy future and a potential return to work.

Kidney transplantation offers the best outcome for individuals with end-stage kidney disease. While dialysis can sustain life for years, transplantation significantly improves longevity and overall health. The Calixtos' story highlights the transformative power of living donors, who provide a precious gift of life, often bypassing the lengthy waiting list for deceased donor organs.

The Calixtos express immense gratitude for the care they received at Mount Sinai and encourage others to consider organ donation. They emphasize the profound impact it can have, offering a second chance at life for those battling kidney failure.