Sebastian Tordonato has always been active. As a retired engineer and avid golfer, he never imagined that taking naproxen to relieve knee pain would ultimately lead to kidney failure and a long, challenging battle to regain his health and independence.
Sebastian first learned his kidney function was declining after he and his wife retired. Despite ongoing treatment, his condition continued to worsen. Two years later, after a trip, he returned home in complete kidney failure. He learned that a kidney transplant was his only option. Fortunately, his sister, Santina, was a compatible match. The news brought immense relief, especially since Sebastian was determined to avoid long-term dialysis, a life-sustaining but demanding treatment that removes toxins and excess fluids when the kidneys can no longer function properly.
But their relief was short-lived. During an evaluation at another Boston-area transplant center, Sebastian was told he needed to lose 10 pounds before being listed for a transplant. While weight loss is often required for transplant candidates, Sebastian’s severe fatigue and persistent knee pain made this an uphill battle. Undeterred, he underwent knee replacement surgery and continued his evaluation. Then, another obstacle arose: Santina, who had initially been approved as a donor, was now told she needed to lose 20 pounds.
“It felt like they kept moving the goal posts,” Sebastian recalled. “Dialysis was exhausting. I felt worse every day—I couldn’t do anything. I was losing hope.”
Feeling discouraged, he shared his frustrations with his social worker at the dialysis clinic, who suggested he reach out to Tufts Medical Center’s Kidney Transplant Program. Soon after, he and his wife met with Dr. Ashtar Chami, Medical Director of Kidney Transplant, who reassured him that the team would work tirelessly to evaluate him for a transplant and provide the care he needed.
However, before the evaluation could proceed, another setback struck. Sebastian developed sepsis, and a CT scan revealed an unexpected diagnosis—kidney cancer. He would need a nephrectomy to remove the cancer before he could be cleared to proceed with the transplant. Despite these additional challenges, Sebastian remained resilient. Finally, after two grueling years of surgeries, setbacks, and uncertainty, he received the gift of life from Santina on October 1, 2024.
Sebastian’s journey reflects the patient-centered approach that defines Tufts Medical Center’s transplant program. Sharon Klarman, Executive Director of Transplant, explains, "Our program treats each transplant patient as a unique individual, tailoring care plans to their specific needs and circumstances. This personalized approach ensures the best possible outcomes and supports their quality of life at every stage of the transplant journey."
My sister and the kidney transplant team gave me my life back. While I was sick, I couldn’t travel. This year, we were able to visit our grandkids for the holidays. We’re blessed to have found Tufts Medical Center.
Sebastian Tordonato
Today, Sebastian is recovering well and looking forward to returning to the golf course. More importantly, he’s cherishing the time he can now spend with his family.
