30-year-old recalls life-changing organ transplant, a true ‘gift’
Updated Mar 12, 2021;
Posted Mar 10, 2021
These days, John Cataldo, 30, who works in New Dorp, is more active than ever, running and hiking often after receiving a life-saving dual kidney/liver transplant.
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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — These days, it’s not unusual for John Cataldo to climb a 14,000-foot mountain.
Yet, reaching peaks in Colorado pales in comparison to the challenges he faced during his nearly lifelong battle with a rare kidney disease.
Cataldo, 30, received a life-saving dual liver/kidney transplant on May 23, 2019, after battling primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) and its recurring, excruciating kidney stones since the age of 4. The disease causes progressive damage to the kidneys from oxalate buildup, and typically results in end-stage renal disease and the need for a dual liver/kidney transplant. Kidney stones are the most common and often the first symptom.