Page 30 - Southern Exposure - April '25

Page 30, Southern Exposure

taMpa geNeral News

Tampa General Performs

West Palm Beach Man’s Lifesaving Transplant Surgery

Sister Served As Living Kidney Donor

Ben Diaz knew something was terribly wrong when rejecting the organ. Plus, he no longer needs to take high
he began slurring his words. The 27-year-old West Palm blood pressure medication.
Beach native had also been suffering from ever-worsening Diaz is grateful for his new lease on life, and for the
headaches and nausea. Living in Texas at the time, he care he’s received. “Dr. Oncu is amazing. I love that guy!”
promptly went to a local hospital emergency room, where an he said. “We’ve developed a strong bond through this
ultrasound found his kidneys functioning at only 8 percent whole process and have connected on so many levels.”
and the kidney tissue completely scarred. Doctors diagnosed “Ben is an inspiration to many people. I have been amazed
Diaz with chronic kidney disease (CKD). with his positive attitude through this process,” said Dr. Oncu.
CKD is progressive and often goes unnoticed “Dialysis isn’t easy and at times it can be overwhelming to the
until symptoms appear. It can lead to serious health patient. However, Ben just keeps on battling, no matter what.”
complications, including heart attack, stroke and kidney After many years working multiple odd jobs to make
failure. If kidney failure occurs, patients go on dialysis ends meet, Diaz credits his CKD diagnosis with motivating
and a kidney transplant is needed. him to pursue a full-time career in the recording industry.
“I had no family history of kidney disease,” said Diaz. Currently, he creates and performs alternative/hip-hop
“It was a bit of an anomaly based on my age. The doctors music under the name Simbolikk, and works with other
said it was most likely genetic.” He started peritoneal At first, Diaz’s mother volunteered to donate one of artists as an audio engineer. “My recording career always
dialysis immediately, and the search began for a kidney her kidneys. She was a match but, unfortunately, tests took a back seat,” said Diaz. “Now it’s front and center.”
donor. determined she did not have enough viable function to Diaz and Vasquez now share a much closer relationship.
Each April, National Donate Life Month brings donate. After seeing a social post to family with a plea She said they FaceTime on an almost daily basis. “He
national attention to the need for, and the importance of, to help Diaz, his half-sister Ashley Vasquez in North checks in with my daughter, Angelise, too, asking her how
organ donation. According to the Health Resources and Carolina stepped forward as a donor. “Ben and I were not she’s doing with her gymnastics and stuff,” said Vasquez.
Services Administration (HRSA), more than 103,000 close at all,” said Vasquez. “Regardless, he’s my brother, “There are special people that you encounter in life
people are currently waiting for organ transplants in the and I know he has a daughter the same age as mine. I just who make an indelible impression on you. Ben is one of
United States, and 87 percent of those are for kidney couldn’t wrap my mind around the idea of his daughter those special people,” said Dr. Oncu. “You just are happier
transplants. The average wait time for a kidney transplant losing him.” So in March 2024, she clicked the link in whenever you are around him. I feel blessed to be part of
is four years – sooner if a living donor is found. the post and started the process. his medical team and feel tremendous joy for how well
Wishing to be closer to family, Diaz relocated to West On August 1, 2024, Diaz had kidney transplant surgery he is doing. No one deserves it more than him!”
Palm Beach, where his care transferred to Dr. Kerim Oncu at Tampa General. With the surgery completed in Tampa, For more information about Tampa General Hospital
with Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Advanced Kidney Diaz seamlessly transitioned back home to Palm Beach Advanced Kidney Care, visit TGH.org/ThePalmBeaches
Care. Dr. Oncu specializes in nephrology, hypertension County, continuing postsurgical care under Dr. Oncu. On or call (561) 739-4TGH (4844).
and kidney transplant care. He has more than 16 years February 1, 2025, he reached the crucial six-month mark
of experience and completed his medical training at the after his surgery, when there is a lower risk of his body
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Tampa
General ranks No. 1 in the nation for transplants by
volume and performs more kidney transplants than any
other hospital in Florida, per the Organ Procurement
and Transplantation Network (OPTN). Since 2020, the
academic health system has been creating a framework of
state-of-the-art services for patients in the Palm Beaches
and on the Treasure Coast, with access to Tampa General
for complex care when needed.

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