Coworkers to Undergo Kidney Transplant This Tuesday

A Charlie's Produce employee will donate a kidney to her colleague following a two-year battle with renal failure.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Philanthropy

Coworkers to Undergo Kidney Transplant This Tuesday

Reina Child is scheduled to donate a kidney to her coworker Katie Hood in a transplant surgery taking place this Tuesday in Salt Lake City. The procedure follows two years of dialysis treatment for Hood after her renal failure diagnosis.

Why it matters

This medical procedure highlights the impact of workplace support systems in navigating chronic health challenges. The act of live donation offers a life-saving alternative for patients requiring frequent dialysis.

The donor and recipient are 47 and 41 years old, respectively, and share a five-year friendship. Katie Hood has relied on dialysis three times a week for the past two years.

The players

Reina Child

She is a 47-year-old employee at Charlie's Produce who volunteered to donate a kidney to her colleague.

Katie Hood

The 41-year-old employee at Charlie's Produce has been undergoing dialysis treatment for the past two years.

Charlie's Produce

This is the shared workplace where both the donor and the recipient are employed.

The details

Reina Child underwent multiple rounds of medical testing that confirmed her as a perfect match for the transplant. The surgery marks the culmination of medical preparations between the two Charlie's Produce employees.

October 2024: Katie Hood received her initial diagnosis of renal failure.
October 2026: The pair completed their final pre-operation appointment.
November 3, 2026: The scheduled kidney transplant surgery will take place.

Market Landscape

The donation follows the path of direct individual giving, which stands in contrast to the complex logistics managed by the National Kidney Registry's paired donation programs. This shift highlights a trend toward decentralized peer-to-peer healthcare support.

The surgery underscores the significant logistical and physical commitment involved in live kidney donation. Residents observing this event may gain insight into the multi-year medical journey faced by those managing renal failure.

The takeaway

This case illustrates how strong professional relationships can bridge the gap for individuals facing severe medical crises. Prospective donors can consult with medical professionals to understand the testing process required to determine biological compatibility.