Baseball Buddies Turn Friendship into a Life-Saving Gift

PHOENIX — A woman believes her passion for the Chicago Cubs has been pivotal in her battle against kidney disease. Denise Vasquez, a Navy veteran, learned in 2008 that she had kidney disease and faced a long wait for a transplant.

Her seat at Sloan Park in Mesa not only connected her to the Cubs but also to Cathy Weadley, a retired physical education teacher. Their friendship blossomed over shared summer games, filled with laughter and discussions about their favorite team.

However, the reality of Denise’s health loomed. With over 100,000 people on the national kidney transplant waitlist, her situation was critical. “In Arizona, waiting for a kidney from a deceased donor typically means a five to six-year wait,” explained Gabriel Quiroz, a registered nurse and transplant coordinator at Dignity Health’s St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Realizing time was not on her side, Denise confided in Cathy, who enthusiastically responded, “I bet I’ll be your match!” Without revealing her intentions, Cathy underwent testing and confirmed she was indeed a perfect match for Denise.

When the hospital informed Denise she had been matched with an “anonymous donor,” a surprise was in store. The reveal took place at the same ballpark where their friendship began. “She goes, ‘I’m your donor,’ and I was obviously overwhelmed,” Denise recalled, shedding tears of joy.

The successful transplant occurred in January at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Cathy described the kidney as “a big healthy one” that “looked like a baked potato.” Their shared love for baseball has now transformed into an extraordinary bond marked by shared life. “It’s amazing; she saved my life,” Denise stated. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the kidney.”