The Day Her Sister Became a Survivor: Nilda Jimenez’s Story of Living Donation

April 2025

October 12, 2023 marked a life-changing moment for the Jimenez family. It was the day they had long prayed for — the day Elaine, beloved sister and grandmother, became a survivor.

This miracle was made possible by Nilda Jimenez, who made the selfless decision to donate one of her healthy kidneys to her sister, Elaine.

Elaine had suffered from kidney issues since childhood, and in recent years her condition had worsened to the brink of renal failure. Watching her endure pain, exhaustion and a life full of restrictions was heartbreaking for those who loved her, especially Nilda. The joy Elaine found in her grandchildren was undeniable, but the fear that she might not see them grow up weighed heavily on everyone’s hearts.

Faced with the possibility of losing her sister, Nilda felt compelled to act. She began the process of exploring whether she could be a living donor. When doctors confirmed that she was a likely match, Nilda didn’t hesitate. She knew in her heart this was the right path. Her greatest hope became clear: to give Elaine a better quality of life.

Nilda’s journey was not one she walked alone. Her children, although naturally concerned for her health and safety, offered their full support. They recognized the depth of her love and bravery and stood beside her and Elaine with unwavering faith.

She also received tremendous support from her work family at her job at the Duval County Tax Collector’s Office. They not only provided Nilda with the time she needed to undergo the donation and recover, but they also showered her and her sister with heartfelt encouragement, prayers and well wishes. That outpouring of compassion left a lasting impression on Nilda.

Since the donation, Nilda’s life has only improved. Living with one kidney has not slowed her down — in fact, it has inspired her to lead a more health-conscious life. She’s become more intentional in her daily habits, and she says she feels stronger, more aware and more fulfilled than ever before.

The most beautiful part of this story? Elaine is thriving.

Through her act of love, Nilda not only gave her sister a second chance, but she gave her family renewed hope. It is a powerful reminder that while not everyone gets the opportunity to be a living donor, those who do can change lives in ways that words cannot fully capture.

For Nilda, this experience has been a deeply spiritual one. She gives all the glory to God, believing wholeheartedly that this miracle was made possible through divine guidance and grace.

As Nilda says through her actions, life is a gift — and gifts are meant to be shared, especially when they give someone another chance to live.

Today, Nilda serves as the manager of the Neptune Beach Tax Collector branch office in Duval County. There, she continues to turn her personal story into purpose. Each day, she promotes the importance of organ donation and proudly asks customers the lifesaving question: “Would you like to register as an organ donor?”

With every conversation, she honors her journey, celebrates her sister’s second chance, and inspires others to consider the gift of life.