LEOMINSTER — At a special event on November 24 at Leominster City Hall, organ transplant recipients and advocates gathered to share stories of survival, renewal, and hope. The event, organized by New England Donor Services, aimed to inspire Massachusetts residents to register as organ donors.
Among the speakers was Christina Aguirre, a 33-year-old educational support professional from Leominster, whose life was saved by a liver transplant on Christmas Eve. Diagnosed with a rare liver cancer, Aguirre faced uncertain treatment outcomes. While doctors assessed her condition and explored treatment options, her mother, Jimena Guerra, turned to prayer.
As Aguirre’s condition worsened, Guerra moved into her daughter’s room to monitor her during the nights. On one particularly challenging evening, Guerra prayed, confessing her exhaustion and asking for guidance, the Telegram & Gazette reported. Two months later, on Christmas Eve, they received a call from the transplant team—a liver was available, and the procedure could begin immediately.
“You would think I would immediately say yes to a new liver,” Aguirre said. However, she hesitated, worried about the health of the organ and the risks of surgery. “I desperately needed guidance from my oncologist, from my support team, from God,” she said. Moments later, the hospital called again to confirm that the liver was healthy.
“They said, ‘This is your Christmas gift,’” Aguirre recalled. She underwent the transplant that night and was home by New Year’s Day. After the procedure, the swelling from edema subsided, her hair started to grow back, and her eyes, once yellow, cleared.
“To my donor’s family, I promise I will take care of this gift and never take it for granted,” Aguirre said. Now, she volunteers as an ambassador for New England Donor Services and continues teaching preschool.
Michael Keane, 58, of Leominster, also shared his journey. Born with only one kidney, Keane learned about his condition in his 30s and was placed on the transplant waiting list in June 2023. Determined to avoid dialysis, he began seeking a living donor and found one in his cousin.
“She was released from the hospital a day after the surgery and is already back in Colorado,” Keane said, expressing gratitude for her selflessness. Keane plans to return to work in a month.
Matthew Boger, director of government relations for New England Donor Services, highlighted the critical need for organ donors, noting that more than 4,000 Massachusetts residents and 106,000 people nationwide are awaiting transplants.
“Only 3% of deaths occur in circumstances that allow for organ donation,” Boger explained. “When we talk about gifts, this is one that gives people hope.”
Boger encouraged residents to register as donors through the Registry of Motor Vehicles or the Massachusetts state website.
