My Kidney Transplant Story: Caterina Galante

I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just 13 months old. I am now 55 years old, which means I have been battling juvenile diabetes for nearly my entire life.  

Medical challenges have always been part of my story, but with the grace of God and the unwavering love and support of my wonderful parents, I learned early on to face life with strength and optimism. 

In 2023, my health took a serious turn when I began experiencing kidney problems. My condition progressed rapidly—from Stage 3 to Stage 4, and eventually to Stage 5 kidney disease. That was when I became extremely ill.  

I was constantly exhausted, unable to focus, and struggled to complete even the simplest daily tasks. It felt as though I was walking through life with a gray film covering my eyes. Life became incredibly difficult. I always tried my hardest to make the best of everything because I had no choice but to. My daughters Daniella and Maria needed me, and so did my husband.   

I was preparing to be placed on the deceased donor transplant list, but my two daughters had other plans. Together, they decided that waiting was not an option. As a mother, I was terrified. I worried endlessly and insisted I could not allow them to put themselves at risk for me. But they were determined, and lovingly—but firmly—gave me no choice. They were going to pursue the living donor option. 

My cousin was also tested, but unfortunately was not the best candidate. That’s when my daughter, Daniella, went through the evaluation process and completed all the necessary testing, and was quickly approved. She was in excellent health and cleared to donate. With incredible courage and selflessness, she decided to donate one of her kidneys on my behalf. 

I thank God every single day for her strength and determination because she truly saved my life. 

Daniella donated her kidney on August 12, 2025. As I sat by her bedside the following day, I received a text message from NYU Langone. I assumed it was related to her recovery, but it wasn’t. The message was for me. They asked me to come in immediately for cross-matching blood work. I went straight to the lab. 

Exactly seven weeks later, I received the call that changed everything: they had found a match. 

On October 15, 2025, I received my kidney transplant. My donor was from Minnesota. While I don’t know their name, I do know that they were the same age, height, and weight as me, and that they, too, donated to save someone in their family. I wish them nothing but health, happiness, and blessings. I will be forever grateful. A part of them now lives within me. 

Today, I feel absolutely fabulous. I feel like a new person. More importantly, I feel like my old self again. My recovery has been going wonderfully, and I truly feel that I am heading in the right direction. It’s all good vibes on my end. 

This experience has changed my life, and I would wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone facing a similar journey. There is hope. There is healing. And there is so much to be grateful for. 

My journey has taught me that organ donation is not just a medical decision—it is a gift of life, hope, and second chances. Whether through living donation or deceased donation, one selfless act has the power to change an entire family’s future. I am living proof of that. 

If you or someone you love is facing kidney disease, please know that you are not alone, and there are options. Ask questions. Educate yourself. Advocate for your health. And if you are able, consider becoming an organ donor. You may never fully realize the impact of your decision, but for someone like me, it means everything—it means life. 

Because of organ donation, I get to wake up each day feeling strong, present, and grateful. I get more time with my daughters, my husband, my beautiful grandsons, my family, and the people I love. That is a gift beyond words, and one I will never take for granted. 

Let my story be a reminder: organ donation saves lives—and sometimes, it saves more than one.

About the Author

Caterina Galante was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Glendale. Diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at just 13 months old, she learned early on the meaning of strength, discipline, and perseverance—made possible by the unwavering love and support of her amazing parents.  

She has proudly served in the Department of Education for nearly 28 years—an extraordinary testament to her perseverance, passion, and unwavering work ethic. 

In 1990, she married her wonderful husband, Peter Galante, and together they built a life centered on love and family. She is the proud mother of two beautiful daughters, Daniella and Maria, who have always been her greatest motivation and source of strength. She is also a devoted Nonna to her two beautiful grandsons, who are the absolute joy of her life.