HOBOKEN, NJ — April is National Donate Life Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the lifesaving power of organ and tissue donation. According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and NJ Sharing Network, more than 100,000 Americans — including nearly 4,000 New Jerseyans — are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. One organ and tissue donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others.
For Hoboken resident Susana Guarino, those numbers are deeply personal. This month, she is celebrating the 20th anniversary of her first kidney transplant — the first of two lifesaving gifts made possible by her own family members. Thanks to living donations from her sister, Maria Rocha, and later her nephew, Maria’s son, Christopher Carbonell, Susana’s journey is a powerful example of how organ donation can transform not just one life, but an entire family.
Born in Bolivia and raised in New York City, Susana was building a career as an accountant while pursuing her master’s degree when her health began to decline.
“I remember telling my husband, Michael, ‘Something’s not right,’” said Susana. “I was always exhausted, and I couldn’t finish a simple walk without sitting down to catch my breath.”
After years of uncertainty, doctors gave Susana life-changing news: her kidneys were functioning at just 20 percent.
“It was a rude awakening,” said Susana. “One moment you’re living your life, and the next, you’re told you need dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive.”
A Sister’s Gift — and a 20-Year Milestone
As Susana explored her transplant options, her sister, Maria, stepped forward without hesitation to be evaluated as a potenal living kidney donor. When the results confirmed she was a match, Maria didn’t think twice about giving her sister the gift of life.
“There was no question in my mind,” said Maria. “That’s what family does. Seeing my sister live life to its fullest means everything to me.”
On April 27, 2006, Maria donated one of her kidneys — a decision that would give Susana a new beginning and lead to the milestone she celebrates today.
“The moment I woke up after the transplant, it felt like my whole body came back to life,” said Susana. “I didn’t realize how sick I had been until I felt healthy again. I don’t take one day for granted. Even one extra day would have been a gift — so to be here 20 years later is incredible.”
A Second Chance, A Decade Later
After 10 healthy years, Susana’s transplanted kidney began to fail due to complications.
“I felt heartbroken,” said Susana. “I felt guilty, even though I knew it wasn’t something I caused. My sister had already given me so much.”
As Susana prepared to begin dialysis treatments, her nephew Christopher stepped forward.
“I couldn’t stand the thought of losing her,” said Christopher. “She’s like a second mom to me, and I knew I had to help. If you have the opportunity to save someone you love, you just do it.”
On October 26, 2016, Christopher became Susana’s second living kidney donor, giving her another chance for a healthy life.
“I told him no when he first made the offer,” said Susana. “But he looked at me and said, ‘I need you in my life.’ That always stayed with me.”
A Family Affair
Behind both transplants was a strong support system that Susana describes as a “family affair.” Her husband, Michael Guarino, served as caregiver and constant support, while her mother, Andrea Lira, helped care for both living donors during recovery.
“My husband was our driver, my mom was our chef, and we all took care of each other,” said Susana. “There’s so much more than just the transplant surgery — it really takes a village.”
Turning Gratitude into Advocacy
Now, 20 years after her first transplant, Susana continues to honor her sister and nephew by sharing her story as a volunteer for NJ Sharing Network.
“I carry pictures of Maria and Christopher with me everywhere,” said Susana. “When people tell me I look healthy, I tell them — it’s because of them. They are my donor heroes.”
During Donate Life Month, the family hopes their story inspires others to consider living donation and to register as organ and tissue donors to leave behind a legacy of caring for others.
“Donating didn’t take anything away from my life — it added to it,” said Maria. “If more people understood that, more lives could be saved.”
Susana hopes her 20-year milestone serves as proof of what’s possible.
“This is what organ donation looks like. It’s love, it’s second chances. And if sharing my story helps even one person say ‘yes’ to organ and tissue donation, then it’s all worth it,” said Susana.
To learn more about living kidney donation and deceased organ and tissue donation, visit NJ Sharing Network’s website at www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
PHOTO CAPTION – Susana Guarino (center) is joined by her sister, Maria Rocha, and her nephew, Maria’s son, Christopher Carbonell — the two family members who each donated a kidney to help save her life. (Photo courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
