Asking others for help does not come naturally for Fernando. The 46-year-old retired NYPD Sergeant says that throughout his life, he’s been the person others turned to in times of need.
About Fernando Centeno
Fernando was a Sergeant in the US Marine Corps and then served the people of Harlem as a NY City police officer.
That changed dramatically in 2023, when he was diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Dialysis treatments every other day have made it impossible for Fernando to continue working and it forced him to put many of his future plans to on hold. Like many people facing kidney failure, his life now revolves around treatments, medical appointments, and the uncertainty that comes with this disease.
Service to others has always been a central part of his life, proudly serving New Yorkers and, after retiring from the NYPD, continuing that commitment to service by joining The Durst Organization, where he helped manage security operations at the World Trade Center.
Despite the challenges, Fernando says he has much to look forward to. His wife, Shpresa, is also a police officer, and they have just welcomed their first child into the world. “Becoming a father is one of the greatest blessings of my life,” he says, “and it’s what motivates me every day. More than anything, I want the opportunity to watch my child grow, to be an active and present father, and to continue building a future with my family.”
He also dreams of eventually moving to Florida, where he hopes to begin a new chapter of service through another job in law enforcement.
Those dreams have not disappeared. They have simply been placed on hold while he fights this disease. A living kidney donor would be a major step toward winning that fight.
Do you want to help Fernando? Please share the link to Fernando’s story or reach out to Kidneys for Communities at info@kidneysforcommunities.org to learn more about how you can help. The Kidneys for Communities team is here to answer your questions.
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