DHR Health Transplant Institute celebrated its first-ever kidney paired and domino transplant celebration at the Edinburg Conference Center. This type of transplant occurs when a living kidney donor is not compatible with the recipient but matches another person on the waitlist. With this incredible procedure, four lives were forever changed in our community having undergone the transformation of a lifetime.

Husband and wife M and L were told they were not a match. Our very own RN, Marcela Miranda, felt a deep calling to donate her own kidney having cared for and seen the quality of life of so many of her patients. Although not knowing whose life it would save, she stood firm by her decision and proceeded with giving a part of herself.

After four carefully planned and executed surgeries, N became the recipient of L's kidney, and M became the recipient of Marcela Miranda's kidney. We celebrated these individuals in a heartfelt ceremony as they met for the first time and broadcasted as well as it was such a historic step for our community as DHR Health prioritizes bringing world-class health care to the Rio Grande Valley. We are very proud to partner with DAISY to give such extraordinary nurses here at DHR Health the international recognition they truly deserve, a place where they can shine for a lifetime.

The kind of work Marcela is called on to do every day and her incredible selfless act of service and love for her patient epitomizes the very purpose of The DAISY Award. So, we are honored to congratulate her as our first Honoree to kick off The DAISY Awards after a three-year pause.

Note: This is Marcela's 2nd DAISY Award!