Hi, my name is Noemi. I joined the US Navy in 1990 as a Seaman Recruit (bottom of the totem pole), and after my four-year active-duty service I used my GI Bill to obtain a BS in Exercise Science with a minor in Dance, followed by a MS in Exercise Physiology. During this time, I transferred from the Navy Reserves to the Army National Guard as a Sergeant.
Soon after, I deployed to Iraq leaving behind my fifteen-year-old and a six-month-old baby which remains the hardest thing I have ever had to do. After my yearlong deployment, I completed Officer Candidate School and received my Commission as a Lieutenant. The highlight of the next fifteen years was serving my State, South Carolina, during natural disasters and contributing to various World Exercises as well as a support mission in the US. I am especially proud of my service as my State’s Bilateral Affairs Officer in Colombia. Upon completion of this duty, I transferred to the Army Reserves and requested an Active-Duty assignment with US Army Central. During my assignment, I was diagnosed with Alport Syndrome, could no longer serve, and was medically retired in 2025 due to my condition. During my service in the National Guard and Army Reserves I worked as a Fitness Professional teaching Fitness Classes, Personal Training and developing health and fitness programs for populations with special needs (elderly, children, chair bound, arthritis etc.) and developed the fitness department for my local YMCA.
Today, I continue to teach Water Aerobics and swimming to maintain my strength for the next phase of my condition. I am blessed to have a loving and very supporting family. My older daughter is married and has three beautiful kids, and my younger one is my naturally talented artist. My husband is the best friend I have ever had. My family is my most precious gift from God. Since my diagnosis in 2024, my focus has been on learning as much as possible about this condition while trying to maintain some sense of normalcy in my life. It has been challenging but it has also presented many opportunities.
I am learning how to grow fruits, vegetables, and flowers; cook with low potassium, low phosphorous, low protein and less sodium (this was a challenge). I also volunteer at a wonderful nonprofit organization which focuses on Equine Facilitated Learning at a beautiful farm. There, I have experienced firsthand how therapeutic working with beautiful horses and miniature donkeys can be. These experiences have also reinforced my faith and taught me how to put my total trust in God’s hands. I look forward to continuing to love and take care of my family, contributing to my church, and volunteering in my community with programs that help others in need.
We need you to help us support Noemi. Whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, you can make a profound impact!
Living kidney donation has been proven to be safe. There are no long term consequences to the donor. After recovery, donors can live a normal life with one kidney.
DOVE will assist all prospective donors throughout the process and make sure they do not incur any out-of-pocket expenses related to the evaluation or surgery.
Please click on the link below if you would like to learn more OR call (551) 233-1611.