Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

KPBS Midday Edition

Riverside Man Begins Longest Chain Of Kidney Donations

Rick Ruzzamenti is an electrician who lives in Riverside.  His kidney donation started the longest chain of kidney donations ever documented.
Rick Ruzzamenti
Rick Ruzzamenti is an electrician who lives in Riverside. His kidney donation started the longest chain of kidney donations ever documented.
Riverside Man Begins Chain Of Kidney Donations
GuestsRick Ruzzamenti is an electrician who lives in Riverside. His kidney donation started the longest chain of kidney donations ever documented. Lisa Stocks, President, Donate Life CaliforniaTammy Wright, Transplant Special at Sharp Memorial Hospital

The wait for an organ donation is often long and agonizing. Desperately ill patients hang on in hope, many end up losing their chance at a new life because too few organs are donated. Or because they have a rare genetic or blood type that limits the pool of donors.

Last Sunday, an article in the New York Times told the story of the longest chain of kidney donations ever documented that started with the gift by a living donor.

Fact-based local news is essential

KPBS keeps you informed with local stories you need to know about — with no paywall. Our news is free for everyone because people like you help fund it.

Without federal funding, community support is our lifeline.
Make a gift to protect the future of KPBS.