Page 11 - Talk of Tequesta - April '25

The Talk Of Tequesta, Page 11

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

1 in the nation for transplants by volume and performs more Tampa General. With the surgery completed in Tampa, Diaz Advanced Kidney Care, visit TGH.org/ThePalmBeaches or call
kidney transplants than any other hospital in Florida, per the seamlessly transitioned back home to Palm Beach County, (561) 739-4TGH (4844).

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