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Identical twin brothers “Gordo” and “Flaco,” as they are lovingly called, share everything. They have the same birthday, the same legal name, the same face – and unfortunately, the same genetic condition that led them both into kidney failure.

Gordo’s Story

Gordo was in his early 20s when frequent nose bleeds prompted a visit to the emergency room. When the lab work and tests were complete, Gordo received the shock of his life. “They told me I was in kidney failure,” he remembers. “I knew we had some kidney issues in our family, but I was young and seemingly healthy, so the news came as quite a surprise.”

His new reality meant three hours of dialysis three times a week. It was necessary treatment that kept him alive but also left him exhausted and weak. That became his routine for several years, until his condition worsened to the point that doctors recommended that he be put on the kidney transplant list. “He was very sick and so young. We knew we needed to act fast for the best outcome,” said Ananth Srinivasan, M.D., a transplant surgeon at INTEGRIS Health Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute. “Thankfully, Gordo received a kidney very quickly and the transplant went exactly as planned.”

Gordo admits being scared, but he knew he wasn’t alone. His twin brother Flaco was right by his side every step of the way.

Flaco’s Story

Flaco’s journey was eerily similar to his brother’s. He too went to the emergency room for something unrelated when he learned he was in kidney failure. “I wasn’t having any kidney issues at the time, so I was surprised. Only I had seen what Gordo had gone through, so it wasn’t completely unexpected.

Flaco received dialysis two times a week for about three years before his transplant discussion began. Ironically, the two brothers would end up having their individual transplants just two months apart from each other. Gordo’s transplant took place on June 2 and Flaco’s occurred on Aug. 10.

“Flaco’s surgery was a success,” states Josiah Wagler, D.O., a transplant surgeon at INTEGRIS Health Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute. “It was a shared experience between two brothers that the entire INTEGRIS Health kidney transplant team was honored to be a part of.”

Double the Thankfulness

Today, just a few months after their respective transplants, both brothers say they feel better than they have in years and are enjoying their newfound freedom from the inconveniences of dialysis. They are also grateful for the new lives they have been given.

“I’m thankful for this second chance,” declares Gordo. “I now have my whole life ahead of me with more opportunities than I ever thought possible. This transplant truly has changed my life!”

Flaco agrees, “Thanksgiving will be even more meaningful this year. Gordo and I are thankful for each other, to God and our medical teams, our families, and most especially for our donors and their loved ones. Without them, none of this would be possible.”

Oklahomans have three options to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor. Residents can sign-up when renewing their driver’s license, visit LifeShareRegistry.org to sign up online, or call 800-826-LIFE (5433) and request a donor registration form.