SAN DIEGO — Two brothers in San Diego are going to be part of a life-saving kidney donation chain that involves eight donors and eight recipients from across the country.
Robbie Harrison has been in need of a kidney for years after being diagnosed with a rare kidney disease called IgA nephropathy. He must undergo dialysis three days a week.
His brother, Pat, is unfortunately not a match, but has been quite the advocate for his brother, writing messages on his car and his clothes, hoping to find a match for Robbie.
After nearly three years of waiting, both brothers have been approved to be a part of a national donation chain through a transplant program at Sharp Memorial Hospital.
"My kidney will be going to someone else that I don't even know, but in turn I'll be saving my brother's life," says Pat.
The brothers are trying to get the word out about the importance of organ and tissue donation, spreading a message of hope as they enter this next chapter side by side.
"Things will get better, they are getting better and you don't get a second chance at life," says Robbie.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the brothers finance the transplant costs.