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OREM -- Six months ago we told you about a boss who donated one of his own kidneys to an employee suffering from kidney failure. We checked in with both of them Tuesday, at a time when their story is helping to generate more interest in kidney donation.
Last summer, 17-year-old Juan Delgado was preparing to receive a kidney. His were not functioning properly because he was suffering from kidney failure. Today, Delgado is in much better condition with new-found energy for life.
"I was really tired, didn't want to do anything really, not even work. But now that I got the transplant, I have a lot of energy," Delgado said.
Juan's new kidney came from his boss, Marcus Gilbert. Gilbert knew Delgado needed a transplant, and when no one in Juan's family was a match, he decided to be tested. He was a match and donated a kidney to Delgado in September.
In the meantime, Delgado has recovered and decided to give up his sandwich job for now, to enjoy his teenage years now that he feels better.
"He's still on the payroll and he's still available. And in the future, or the summer, when he needs some spending money, we'll put him on the payroll and get him working," Gilbert said.
Gilbert and Delgado's story resulted in a check presentation Tuesday from Charley's Grilled Subs to the National Kidney Foundation.
"We are seeing more and more people in Utah and Wyoming who are Good Samaritans; that is, people who donated kidneys to others who are not in their family. Someone at their work. And of course Marcus Gilbert donating a kidney to a young employee is incredible," said Deen Vetteri, of the National Kidney Foundation.
Gilbert insists he has benefited the most, a lesson for his children on what it means to give. "It's been a great experience, and I'm so happy we were able to help Juan and his family. But were able to raise money for the National Kidney Foundation and get Charley's involved and aware of this cause and working towards this cause," he said.
It's a cause that has given a teenager a chance for a normal life.
The donation from Charley's will go towards kidney donation awareness programs through the National Kidney Foundation.
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Story compiled with contributions from Sam Penrod and Randall Jeppesen.
