It Was Something I Knew I Wanted To Do: Renee Watson’s Kidney Donation Story
I met Maile in 2001. We were introduced by a mutual acquaintance and became fast friends. She was the very first friend I made when I moved to California.
Maile’s family has polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which was unknowingly passed on by her dad. Maile is one of 10 siblings, five of whom underwent kidney transplants before her.
Her Dad’s response to his diagnosis and need for a transplant at 55 was the catalyst that shaped how her siblings approached their own kidney transplant journeys. Maile and her siblings witnessed firsthand what it looked like to advocate for oneself and saw the importance of determination, maintaining top physical condition, and having unwavering faith.
Fast forward to August 2024. It was time for Maile to do what her loved ones had done before her. Her name was placed on the kidney transplant list and she began her campaign for a new kidney.
My friend was sick. If giving her my kidney could potentially give her her freedom back, how could I not try?
Renee Watson
When she told me about her declining health, I had an overwhelming feeling that I would donate. My friend was sick. If giving her my kidney could potentially give her her freedom back, how could I not try?
I donated my kidney on November 21, 2025, at Cedars-Sinai in Beverly Hills, California, and they transported the kidney down to San Diego for the transplant. The whole experience was exceptional.
The National Kidney Registry paired me up with a donor mentor who was a great resource, answering the many questions I had. The transplant team at Cedars-Sinai understood the complexities of donation and provided excellent care.
One month post-donation, a coworker of mine reached out to the local news station about our story. They ended up conducting an interview with Maile and me that aired just before the holidays. This led to an interview on The Jennifer Hudson Show!
After going through this process, the thing I most want people to know is that I am just an ordinary person. Anyone can do this and potentially help save a life.
About the Author
Renee Watson was born and raised on the East Coast. She moved to southern California in 2001 and has been an elementary school teacher ever since. She enjoys spending her free time hiking in the Eastern Sierra Mountains.