(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — When Simi Valley Councilmember Rocky Rhodes donated a kidney to a local restaurant owner, he wasn’t looking for attention—just a chance to save a life. At the April 2 Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District board meeting, stories like his took center stage, putting a local face on the lifesaving impact of organ donation and reminding the community that heroes don’t always wear capes—sometimes, they just say “yes.”
Board Chair Ed Abele led the heartfelt recognition in honor of National Donate Life Month, observed every April. The cause hits close to home for Abele. His wife, Jill, received a life-saving kidney transplant thanks to Thomas Herdering, a fellow Simi Valley resident.
“It’s a selfless gift symbolizing compassion and hope,” Abele said. “Last year, over 7,000 living donors across the nation gave a kidney or part of their liver to save someone’s life.”
For those considering becoming a donor, the idea can feel daunting—but medical experts assure that the risks are low, recovery is manageable, and donors can go on to live full, healthy lives. Most kidney donors are out of the hospital within days and back to their routines within weeks. The same goes for bone marrow donation, which many mistakenly believe is painful or dangerous. In reality, most donations are done through a process similar to giving blood, and donors are typically back to normal within a day or two. “You don’t need to be a superhero to save a life,” Abele said. “You just need to be willing.”
Abele also honored Councilmember Rhodes, who donated a kidney to Tony Falato, husband of Evelyn Garfield—co-owners of Simi’s Junkyard Café. “Over 100,000 Americans are currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant,” Abele said. “And sadly, more than 50,000 people die every year waiting.”
Not all stories end in triumph. Abele spoke of his wife’s sister, Diane, who died of kidney disease in 2018 before a donor could be found. “We are blessed to live in a community of superheroes that truly understand the importance of organ donation,” Abele said.
The meeting also celebrated a different kind of donation story—one involving hope, resilience, and a brave young boy named Aiden. Diagnosed with acute leukemia at age two, Aiden fought through three years of treatment. Just as life was stabilizing, the cancer returned in his brain and spinal fluid. His family launched the “Match for Aiden” campaign to find a life-saving bone marrow donor.
Thanks to a successful match, Aiden survived. After five years in and out of school, he’s now in third grade—his first full school year without treatment. “I am so proud of my son,” said his mom, Iliana Lozano on Facebook. “He has been working so hard to catch up to his classmates.”
Aiden’s story, and the generosity of living donors like Herdering and Rhodes, brought emotion and inspiration to the meeting. And perhaps, to someone sitting in the audience or reading the news, a moment of decision.
To learn how you can become a donor or support the cause, visit donatelife.net.
