Amanda Ochoa

2024 Update:

Hello Family, Friends, and Supporters of Organ Donation,

It’s hard to believe that nearly 16 years have passed since I received the life-changing gift of organ donation and transplantation in June 2009. I wanted to take a moment to update you all on what’s happened in my life since that pivotal day.

After my transplant, I made the decision to return to college and earned a Master’s Degree in Education. Today, I have the privilege of working with students with disabilities at Katella High School. Along the way, I met my amazing husband, Alex, and we were married in 2014 in beautiful Lake Tahoe, California. I’ve also been blessed with a growing family and have had the pleasure of gaining nieces, nephews, and godchildren, with whom I’ve built deep and meaningful relationships.

In my free time, I love spending time with family, cooking, and hosting dinners for friends and loved ones. I cherish moments with Alex, our dog Lovey, and the simple joy of enjoying sunsets together. Watching the kids in my life participate in their various activities fills my heart with joy. Every year, our family takes trips together, and I always look forward to these cherished times.

Every single day, I am grateful for my life, knowing that receiving the gift of organ transplantation has allowed me to live a fulfilling, vibrant life, free from the burden of chronic illness. Any donations made will go toward covering the ongoing care costs not fully covered by insurance. My health journey has been a team effort, and I am forever grateful for the generosity of others.

I promise to continue advocating for organ and tissue donation, using my second chance at life to empower others to live their fullest, healthiest, and happiest lives.

Much love to all of you!

Initial Post (2009):

Hi Everyone!

For those of you that don’t know me personally, and for those of you who do, I want to thank you for taking an interest in my life and my journey to wellness. I am 28 years old, single, and have been graced with an incredible circle of love and support from both my family and friends. Those closest to me have witnessed my struggle from the age of 16 when I was diagnosed with Type I Juvenile Diabetes, my many battles with this disease, and my current diagnosis of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). My family sees me as courageous, strong, and optimistic as I have gone through the rigors of dialysis for the past two years. I see myself as I see others afflicted with the same challenges – hopeful, thankful, and excited to think I will have the chance to overcome these challenges and begin a new life.

A Southern California resident, I have been accepted into the Kidney/Pancreas program at the University of San Francisco Medical Center in Northern California. As a “restricted” medical patient, there will be an ongoing need throughout my lifetime for financial support to augment costs not covered by my insurance. Since I will be traveling to receive my transplant, the costs for pre and post-operative care, yearly follow-up, medical fees and medications far exceed my ability to absorb these costs. The anti-rejection medications alone will be approximately $5,200 – $5,800 per month. HelpHopeLive is a non-profit organization that will manage, audit, and assist in allocating any donations made on behalf of my medical needs. Further, they provide tax deductible forms and guidance for all benefactors providing fundraising support, services, and donated goods that legitimize the expense of the donor.

Your donation will help shape my future by allowing me to have one. Please know my gratitude is beyond measure, and I will care for this gift of life with reverence and purpose. Thank you for your continued love and support! To make a contribution to my fundraising campaign, click the “Donate Now” button. To circulate my story with others who might wish to learn about my campaign, see the “Share My Page” options on the upper right side of this page. For more information, please contact HelpHopeLive at 800-642-8399.