### George Lopez's Kidney Transplant Journey When comedian George Lopez needed a new kidney, his wife Ann stepped up and donated one of hers. This act of love took place in April 2005 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Ann's surgery was first, lasting about two and a half hours, while George's more complicated procedure took five hours. Both surgeries were successful. George's kidney issues stemmed from a congenital abnormality that caused a narrowing of his ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. This condition led to waste flowing backward into his kidneys, slowly poisoning them. By the time of his surgery, his kidneys were barely functioning. Growing up, George experienced bed-wetting and high blood pressure, both symptoms of his kidney issues. Despite these signs, he rarely saw a doctor, a common attitude among many Latinos who often avoid medical checkups. After the transplant, George's health improved dramatically. He returned to his favorite activity, golf, just 10 days after surgery. He also became an advocate for kidney health, urging others to get regular checkups. Ann's donation and George's recovery highlight the importance of living donors and the advancements in transplant success rates. George now takes daily medications to prevent his body from rejecting the new kidney and maintains a healthier lifestyle. This story underscores the life-changing impact of organ donation and the importance of regular medical checkups, especially for those at risk of kidney disease.