My Kidney Transplant Story: Kim DiRocco
In 2007, at the age of 27, I learned something was wrong with my kidneys. A routine blood test revealed I had high creatinine levels—a term I wasn’t even familiar with. This began a long process of testing and uncertainty. Doctors performed a biopsy and discovered significant scarring in my kidneys but couldn’t pinpoint the cause. I was simply diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. The prognosis was a waiting game and there wasn’t any treatment available since a cause was never determined.
For the next 13 years, my condition progressed slowly, and I managed to maintain a relatively normal life. It wasn’t until I turned 41 in 2021 that my kidney function had deteriorated to the point where my medical team recommended dialysis, and we began discussions around transplant. Because my condition might have been genetic, my immediate family members weren’t eligible to donate.
At one point, information about creating a microsite to help find a donor was brought to my attention. While it may have been a helpful resource, I was so overwhelmed that I did not fully understand the potential of a microsite and stayed focused on finding someone I already knew. In hindsight, I wish I’d explored all options sooner, as it might have helped me avoid dialysis.
Stefanie, one of my best friends since freshman year in high school, came to my rescue in March 2023. By that time, we had been friends for 30 years, and she had watched me struggle for a long time. She could not watch it any longer and bravely decided to step in. Always proactive and an individual with a huge heart, Stef did her own research and learned about paired kidney donation.
In a paired donation, a donor gives their kidney to a compatible stranger, and in turn, their loved one (in this case, me) receives a kidney from another donor in the program. Stef went through the donor approval process and on August 1, 2023, she donated to someone who was her match. A month and a half later, I received THE CALL—they had found a perfect match for me!
I had my transplant on September 29, 2023. The first two weeks of recovery were rough—I had no appetite, struggled to sleep and was uncomfortable. But by the third week, I began to feel better, and within six weeks, I was close to my old self.
Since then, I’ve had the best year of my life. I’ve been able to live normal life again, free from dialysis, and I’ve even started traveling again. For two years, I was on nightly home dialysis for eight hours. It was exhausting and restrictive. Now, I can’t believe I don’t have to hook up to a machine every night. To say my transplant has been life-changing is an understatement!
Looking back, I wish I’d known more about paired donation earlier. Maybe I could have avoided dialysis entirely. That said, everything worked out perfectly in the end thanks to Stef. I ended up with a zero-percent mismatch, essentially a perfect match. It feels like it was meant to be.
Stef’s decision to donate, not directly to me but to a complete stranger, saved my life. It’s one thing to donate directly to someone you know, but to do so for a stranger is extraordinary.
Kim DiRocco
This experience has shown me the incredible generosity, humanity and kindness of people. Stef’s decision to donate, not directly to me but to a complete stranger, saved my life. It’s one thing to donate directly to someone you know, but to do so for a stranger is extraordinary. But it’s not surprising to me—that’s just Stef. She is an incredible human, and I knew that before she even donated. I am eternally grateful to her and my anonymous donor and every morning they are at the top of my prayers.
I hope my story inspires others to learn about kidney donation and the paired donation program. The transplant wasn’t as frightening as I thought it would be, and the life it gives you back is indescribable.
Stef has always been an amazing friend, but what she did is beyond words. I am so blessed to have her in my life. She is my hero and my angel here on earth. Her selflessness, along with the kindness of my anonymous donor, has given me a second chance.
About the Author
Kim DiRocco is a graduate of Villanova University and was educated by the Augustinians and the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart, shaping her commitment to lifelong learning and thoughtful leadership. With 18 years of experience in the insurance and employee benefits industry, she began her career at a large regional health insurance carrier—headquartered in Philadelphia—before transitioning to an independent insurance brokerage firm. She enjoys reading, cooking, and music and is an interior design enthusiast who loves creating warm and inviting spaces. An animal lover and devoted Philadelphia sports fan, she lives just outside the city with her husband, stepdaughters, and two dogs.