2017 Veronica Cosme

VERONICA COSME

Kidney Recipient

Honored by UCLA at uclahealth.org

At the age of 26, Veronica Cosme was enjoying a wonderful life with her husband and son and preparing for the birth of their daughter. Veronica gave birth to their daughter two months premature due to complications from preeclampsia, a pregnancy condition often characterized by high blood pressure. A biopsy on Veronica’s kidneys revealed a rare hereditary kidney disease called Alport syndrome. Her kidneys deteriorated due to her disease, and in 2013 she was listed for a kidney transplant. While waiting for a donor, she received a terrifying call that her 18-year-old niece, Alyssa J. Galvan (floragraph honoree), had passed away. A nurse called Veronica and said, “You both are beautifully matched.” After transplantation, Alyssa’s kidney started functioning immediately. Veronica has resumed to her daily activities with family and became a OneLegacy Donate Life Ambassador. Everything Veronica does is in honor of Alyssa’s bravery and legacy.

Veronica’s Story

At the age of 26, Veronica Cosme was enjoying a wonderful life with her husband and son and preparing for the birth of their daughter. Veronica gave birth to their daughter two months premature due to complications from preeclampsia, a pregnancy condition often characterized by high blood pressure. A biopsy on Veronica’s kidneys revealed a rare hereditary kidney disease called Alport syndrome. Veronica was active in her everyday life, but she increasingly felt weak, making it difficult to be a wife and mother. Fifteen years later, her kidneys deteriorated due to the disease, and in 2013 she was listed for a kidney transplant at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Her brother, Fernando, also suffers from the same hereditary disease and was recently listed for a kidney transplant.

In July 2013, Veronica underwent surgery for an arteriovenous (AV) fistula to prep for dialysis. But two weeks later, on August 14, she received a terrifying call. Her 18-year-old niece, Alyssa J. Galvan (floragraph honoree), was struck by a car. Veronica’s sister, Senaida, grabbed her hand and whispered, “If Alyssa doesn’t make it, my family and I want you to have her kidney. She’s healthy, O positive blood just like you and she’d want this for her aunt.” Doctors pronounced Alyssa brain dead on August 16. A nurse called Veronica and said, “You both are beautifully matched.” After transplantation, Alyssa’s kidney started functioning immediately. Veronica feels blessed to carry Alyssa’s precious gift of life with her, for her sister’s family and throughout her life.

Veronica wakes up every morning and thanks Alyssa for the renewed health and energy she channels every day. Veronica’s sister, Senaida, said: “Veronica is a miracle to be able to carry our daughter’s kidney.” Veronica has resumed her daily activities of working, running, traveling with her family and become a OneLegacy Donate Life Ambassador. She educates the public, speaking to hospitals and at city council meetings. Everything Veronica does is in Alyssa’s honor, bravery and legacy. She knows that their journey of life will continue to save and touch lives. Alyssa is “her niece, her hero!”