Officer Ruiz helps Lt. Bermudez with kidney transplant
When Juan Ruiz heard about a coworker in need of a kidney transplant, the 27-year-old correctional officer stepped forward.
For over a year, Lt. Salvador Bermudez has battled kidney failure and was placed on a transplant list. Both employees work at California State Prison, Los Angeles County, with the 41-year-old Bermudez on the job for 17 years. Meanwhile, Ruiz is a relative newcomer, with two years of service.
“I hope people realize the department is more than just coworkers. We are family and my family has been very supportive.”
Juan Ruiz, Correctional Officer and kidney donor
California State Prison, Los Angeles County
Read the September 2023 story on Bermudez’s support for others to register for organ donation.
Bermudez has been a member of the institution’s honor guard since 2016 as well as serving as part of the recruitment team.
Ruiz began as a visiting officer, and now proudly serves on Facility B, surrounded by an exceptional team. Ruiz is currently on the path of joining the prison’s Crisis Response Team.
Declining health and a desperate need
Fighting for his life, Bermudez has been hospitalized four times over the last year due to complications. With his health deteriorating rapidly, a transplant was desperately needed.
Throughout this challenging ordeal, Bermudez’s wife and daughter have faced significant hardships and stress.
Bermudez confronts the challenge of balancing his demanding role as lieutenant at work with the ongoing battle against this life-threatening condition. The toll on his body has led to a three-times-per-week routine of dialysis, with each session taking nearly four hours.
Help from a coworker
Word of Bermudez’s condition reached the compassionate ears of Ruiz, who stepped forward with an extraordinary offer – to donate one of his kidneys.
Through a series of interviews, medical evaluations, and psychological assessments, Ruiz’s commitment remained steadfast. The results were astonishingly positive: a blood type and tissue type match that sets the stage for a life-saving operation.
In April, both men, bound by duty and now by an unbreakable bond, will undergo simultaneous surgeries which may last over four hours.
Bermudez will have an eight-week recovery period while Ruiz will be recovering for six weeks.
Recognizing the gravity of their situations, a catastrophic time bank has been initiated to support them during this critical period.
Meet Officer Juan Ruiz
(Editor’s note: Lt. Daniel Schumacher sat down with Ruiz to discuss his career and decision to donate a kidney to his coworker.)
A conversation with the donor
What inspired you to step up and donate a kidney to Lt. Bermudez?
He has consistently proven himself as not just a leader but a genuinely caring person.
When I first met him, he welcomed me into his office, offering support and emphasizing that if I ever needed anything he was there for me.
About a month before his diagnosis, we both attended Training for Trainers in Sacramento, which gave me the opportunity to connect with Lt. Bermudez on a deeper, more personal level.
Throughout that week, I gained insights into his character, learning about his family, especially his wife and daughter.
How are you feeling about the whole kidney donation journey – any nerves or excitement?
I admit to feeling a bit nervous. I have never had surgery before. But overall, I am excited to see Bermudez get healthy again.
Telling others
Have you shared the news with your friends and family? How has their reaction been?
My dad’s immediate response was excitement and he said he supports me. My mom was initially nervous but has since embraced and respected my decision.
What is your gameplan for staying positive and healthy during the recovery period?
I will be studying for the Crisis Response Team. I will make sure to keep my mind occupied and probably watching some TV as well.
What is something surprising or interesting you’ve learned during the preparation for kidney donation?
I learned how extensive the process is. I underwent over eight hours of testing including MRI, X-Ray, being interviewed by surgeons, psychologists, and a nutritionist. They took 38 vials of blood from me.
Can you share a moment in your life that has inspired your kindness and generosity?
Just my upbringing. My parents. I was told if ever someone needed help with anything, and I was able to help, I should.
A ripple effect
How do you envision this act of kindness creating a positive ripple effect within our department and beyond?
I hope people realize the department is more than just co-workers. We are family and my family has been very supportive.
How have you prepared yourself physically and emotionally for the donation process?
I continue to stay active and physically fit. Emotionally, I talk to friends and family about it and lean on my support system.
Anything else you want to add?
I am very excited I am giving him the chance to create more memories with his family.
Story by Lt. Daniel Schumacher
California State Prison, Los Angeles County
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