Chris Romero never set out to become a police officer. Growing up, he thought he might become a doctor or have a career that would let him help people in a real, hands-on way. But science and math weren’t his strengths, so he set his sights on law instead, hoping a legal career might still give him a chance to make a difference in the world. Now, with his kidneys failing him, he needs a kidney donor to make a difference in his world.
About Christopher Romero
When the economy crashed in 2008, law school was no longer an option. Chris took an internship with the NYPD. It was just supposed to be temporary. A way to pay for school and get some experience. But what started as a backup plan turned into a calling.
“You see people at their worst,” he says, “and they look to you to help them figure it out.” Sixteen years later, he’s still incredibly proud to serve and help people in need.
Now, he’s the one who needs help.
Chris is 39 years young and in urgent need of a kidney transplant. His health struggles began in his late 20s with high blood pressure and a family history of heart disease. But during COVID, things worsened dramatically, and he was eventually diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. Despite countless tests, the cause remains unknown. The sickness continues to get worse, and his days are incredibly hard.
“The best way I can describe it,” he says, “is like having the flu or COVID all the time. That exhaustion, but times a hundred.” Even walking around the block can leave him winded. Long days at work take everything out of him. Still, he shows up for his community.
Though he’s still able to work, he admits there’s very little quality of life. “I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.”
Through it all, Christopher leans on his inner circle: his girlfriend, his parents, his sister, and a few close friends from work. “I’m closed off by nature,” he admits, “but I’d do anything for the people in my life.”
That’s also what’s made this moment so hard. Asking for help doesn’t come naturally to him, but he’s doing it anyway, because he knows what’s at stake. They, along with his faith, are what keep him going… and the thought of life after the gift of a transplant.
Before getting sick, Chris loved traveling, going out dancing, and exploring new restaurants. He dreams of someday retiring in Florida. But right now, his biggest hope is just to feel well again. “I’m only 39. I still feel like there’s a whole life ahead of me.”
When asked what he’d say to someone considering being a donor, Chris talks about the coworker who got tested on his behalf. “It didn’t work out, but just the fact that he tried… it meant the world. I can’t even imagine what it would feel like if someone actually gave.”
Chris is holding on to hope and fighting every day. If you’re moved by his story, please consider becoming a donor.
KIDNEY DONATION
How does kidney donation work?
A donor doesn’t need to be an exact match. In fact, because of the Nobel Prize-winning paired kidney exchange program, your kidney donation will not only save one life, but it will save several more in the chain.
Living kidney donation is safe, and all costs associated with your donation are covered. Living donor kidneys also last much longer than deceased donor kidneys. A deceased donor kidney transplant, on average, lasts 10-15 years, while a living donor transplant lasts 12-20 years.
Kidneys for Communities® Donor Benefits
Donating a kidney is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling acts someone can do.
Kidneys for Communities can help you through the process to help save a life, but we know there are many obstacles that can be prohibitive to the donor. At Kidneys for Communities, we take care of our donors with the industry’s most complete donor benefits package:
Onboarding and education
Personalized guidance through the donation process
Anonymity
Cost reimbursements:
Travel, food & lodging, lost wages, child, pet and adult care