Add Element 
Add Row 
Saving Lives and Creating Bonds: A Tale of Two Officers
In an inspiring story that echoes the spirit of altruism within the ranks of the San Antonio Police Department, Patrol Officers John D. Cortinas and Jacob Block have forged a bond that reinforces the idea that life is invaluable and truly interconnected. This connection began with an urgent medical need, highlighting how the acts of one individual can profoundly impact another's life.
A Call for Help: John Cortinas’ Need
In December 2022, Officer John D. Cortinas faced a desperate situation when his health took a turn for the worse. At the age of 51, he was diagnosed with scleroderma renal crisis, leading to kidney failure. Cortinas found himself thrust into a world of uncertainty, relying on kidney dialysis while awaiting a lifeline—a kidney transplant, ideally from a living donor. “I thought about the years ahead of waiting and all I could see was darkness,” said Cortinas, who had dedicated 20 years of his life to serving the public as a police officer and a passionate biker.
His plight was shared within the department through a workplace bulletin, which ultimately reached Officer Jacob Block, who felt compelled to act. “Everyone spoke of John as a phenomenal human being. I had to help,” Block remarked.
Jacob Block's Determination to Help
Despite being unable to donate directly due to compatibility issues, Block refused to accept defeat. He inquired about alternate ways he could assist Cortinas, leading him to discover the concept of kidney donation chains. “If my kidney could help him, I would rather donate it to someone else,” Block emphasized.
This selfless decision not only demonstrates the camaraderie and spirit of service between these officers but also showcases the transformative power of organ donation. Through the Champion for Life program initiated by University Health, the officers, along with four other donors and their respective recipients, entered a life-saving chain that culminated in six successful surgeries on March 6, 2024.
The Impact of a Donor Chain
According to Dr. Elizabeth Thomas, a transplant surgeon involved in the process, kidney donation chains enable a better match for those in need. “Increasing the number of living donors means we can improve the outcomes for all involved,” she explained. As Cortinas and Block embraced their new lives post-surgery, they reflected on not only receiving a second chance but also on the new perspectives that their experiences had instilled in them. “I find myself connecting with things I never did before,” said Cortinas.
Celebrating New Life
The journey culminated in an emotional ceremony where all participants of the donor chain met for the first time, celebrating not just their new lives but the bonds established between them. “You don’t know the new life you’ve given me,” Cortinas expressed to his altruistic donor, Luke McKay, a 24-year-old medical student. McKay’s selfless act of kindness reverberated through the lives of others, proving that one gesture can indeed change lives.
This heartwarming event serves as a reminder of the power of community, the importance of organ donations, and the unbreakable bonds formed through acts of selflessness. As the saying goes, every donor saves at least two lives, and with kidney donation chains, that impact can be multiplied exponentially.
Call to Action: Be a Living Donor
One organ donor can save up to eight lives. If you feel inspired by this story, consider exploring opportunities to become a living donor. Learn more about the Champion for Life program and discover how you can contribute to life-saving efforts within your community.
Add Row 
Add 
Write A Comment