(WSVN) - A Miami-Dade police officer was in for the fight of his life when a fellow officer came to his rescue with a life saving transplant. Last week, we brought you the officer’s story. Rosh Lowe takes us inside the hospital for this second chance at life.
There is a new day on the horizon. Outside Jackson Memorial Hospital, moments before daybreak, there are embraces.
“I just wanted him there for his grandkid,” Officer Diana Castillo said.
Miami-Dade Police Officer Diana Castillo is about to give a piece of herself to her fellow officer German Alech.
Alech was diagnosed with a genetic condition that caused his kidneys to fail. The officer’s only hope was a universal donor. That donor turned out to be Diana, a fellow officer in the Miami-Dade Police Department.
This is now the day both lives will be forever linked, the day of surgery.
“I love you,” Olga Alech tells Officer Diana Castillo as she is surrounded by family and friends.
This kiss from German’s wife Olga. Her gratitude to Diana, the woman who is saving her husband’s life, knows no limits.
“Diana is family,” Alech said.
The last kiss for Diana comes from German himself, and then Diana goes in for surgery. Doctors remove her kidney, German and his wife wait …
“Life is extremely fragile. We can be healthy today and we have no idea what can happen in the next second,” Alech said.
For 23 years, Officer German Alech has been patrolling the streets of Miami-Dade County. If everything goes well the recovery period is about eight weeks. He is excited to get back to his job and most importantly, to spend time with his granddaughter Olivia.
German and Olga’s granddaughter is part of the reason this transplant is happening.
Diana recently became a grandmother herself, and Diana’s wants to make sure German is able to see his granddaughter grow up.
“I love you. I will be waiting for you,” Alech said.
And then it’s German’s turn for surgery. His wife saying she will be there waiting for him when it’s over.
“I love her very much. Without my family supporting and my friends, this would never happen,” German Alech said.
In the operating room, doctors take Diana’s kidney and place it in Officer German Alech’s body.
What happens this day inside of Jackson Hospital is not only surgery, but an outpouring of love.
“I’m looking forward to life,” Officer Alech said.
And as the sun rises over Jackson Memorial Hospital, it brings with it the rays of hope. Yes, you can see the tears. But you can also see smiles and joy.
Self-sacfrice on display, law enforcement families see that courage every time their loved one puts on a uniform. This day, the hero trades in her badge for a hospital gown so she can give her colleague a second chance at life.
So far, so good. The pair took a picture Thursday morning. Both have been out of bed and are recovering well. They are expected to be home by the end of the weekend.
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