Saving Responders' Lives is Mission of Kidneys for Communities

An EMT from Reno, NV, the son of two police officers with aspirations to continue their legacy, a retired NYPD K-9 officer, a Portland firefighter and a former global leader in Fortune 500 companies.

Though they hail from across the country and their careers span the spectrum, all share one thing in common — their lives were changed by Kidneys for Communities.

Some were donors, others were recipients.

Ten years ago, Atul Agnihotri had a young family and had worked for decades in Fortune 500 companies. Things were going well in his life — or so he thought.

Things took a turn when he learned he was in kidney failure. He needed a new one.

But, Agnihotri did more than add his name to a growing list of people who needed a kidney transplant. He started researching the issue and said he was astounded by what he learned.

“Kidney disease is killing more people than breast or prostate cancer,” he said, adding that there are roughly 100,000 people waiting for a transplant.

He was fortunate as a match was found for him in months. But the donation wasn’t just life-saving for him. It was life-changing.

The businessman with worldwide contacts wasn’t willing to sit idly by while others—especially first responders—with failing kidneys struggled with maneuvering the system in addition to dealing with their deteriorating health.

Agnihotri walked away from the corporate world and founded Kidneys for Communities, a non-profit that relies on donations.

“I learned that some people don’t know where to start. They are shy about talking about themselves and asking for help, even though it could save their life.”

That’s where Kidneys for Communities comes in. After a myriad of tests, the patient’s information will be entered into databases for a potential match.

People thinking about being a donor worry about their health but should not worry, he said.

“The donor is monitored afterward as well,” Agnihotri said, adding that the organization pays out-of-pocket expenses such as food, travel, lodging and wages.

Aside from the medical aspect, the staff composes and publishes a story about the person waiting for the organ.

But, that's not all.

Kidneys for Communities recently announced another key marketing stragedy to get the word out. They've joined forces with National CineMedia.

“This partnership represents a breakthrough in how we reach and engage potential living donors. By bringing these deeply personal stories into movie theaters—where audiences are already emotionally engaged—we are creating a powerful new pathway for connection, compassion, and ultimately, life-saving action,” Agnihotri wrote in a statement.

Chief Legal Officer and Head of Human Resources Maria Woods explained NCM got involved when an employee, Ricky Hernandez, received a kidney after his story was aired in a theater. 

"This partnership is deeply personal for our team. Ricky's  story showed us firsthand how the big screen can help identify everyday heroes who are willing to step forward to help someone in need. This emphasizes what we’ve been telling advertisers for years, that cinema is the place to find critical engaged audiences," she wrote in a statement last month.

Recipient DJ Riddell 

Retired New Castle, DE, police officer Kathy Riddell said it’s difficult to find the words to express her appreciation to the people who worked tirelessly to help her son, DJ, who was in kidney failure.

Like many young people, DJ was reluctant to speak up and ask for help, even though he knew it would save his life.

“In addition to posting his story online, the organization created posters and cards. It was just incredible…What stuck out for me was the drive that the Kidneys for Communities staff has for people needing a kidney,” she said adding that she was impressed with their passion and work ethics.

“I can’t thank them enough.”

DJ was working toward his master’s degree when he had to withdraw due to his failing kidney.

He was amazed and extremely appreciative of the effort the organization.

“I admit, I didn’t advocate for myself as I should have. I’d say to someone now that you have to tell your story. My family and friends got me through this. I’ll always be thankful.”

He returned to college and earned his degree and his goal of becoming the next generation police officer in his family is getting closer.

Days after his surgery six months ago, he toured the Philadelphia Police Training Center where he met officers and participated in training simulations.

“DJ’s story is a powerful example of how community support, organ donation advocacy and sheer determination can help someone overcome monumental challenges and continue pursuing their dreams,” Agnihotri told Firehouse.com.

Reno EMT Lucas Gorelick and NYPD Sgt. Christopher Romero

Usually a healthy person, retired NYPD Sgt. Christopher Romero found out about his kidney issues during an exam required for insurance. Dialysis took a toll on the veteran K-9 officer.

Thousands of miles away, REMSA EMT Lucas Gorelick was researching about kidney donations. When he looked to see if there were organizations helping responders, he found Kidneys for Communities.

Coincidentally, at the urging of a colleague, Romero created a profile with the organization.

“When I saw Christopher’s story, I knew immediately that I wanted to help," Gorelick told Firehouse, adding that he thought there wasn't a chance he'd be a match.

But, he was wrong. 

After months of testing, three days before Christmas 2025, Gorelick went under the knife at NYU Langone Health in New York City. He did it for someone he’d never met.

It was the best Christmas ever, Romero said, as that’s the day he went home from the procedure.

“It was great to walk out and go home for Christmas,” he said, adding that the transplant made the difference in his life.

"There's a special place in heaven for him," Romero said. "Thanks to Lucas I can live my life."

The 20-year-old EMT and 40-year-old retired K-9 cop aren't the only ones who share a bond. Their families also are now connected.

"Meeting him was one of the most rewarding events of my life. I'm so appreciative to Kidneys for Communities for introducing us. To know I helped him get his life back has changed me forever,” Gorelick said.

Romero considers Lucas a brother from another mother.

Portland firefighter Venedo Alcazar and Dr. Karen Douek

Firefighter Venedo Alcazar was battling Stage 5 chronic kidney disease. A transplant was the only thing that would keep him alive.

Dr. Karen Douek, a retired nephrologist, happened to see a segment on the news about the firefighter's condition and need for a kidney.

"She knew the department PIO and he gave her my number. We chatted and she asked me what my blood type was. She had the same. She said she was in a bike wreck about three week ago and the crew at Station 5 helped me. Wow, that's my station," Alcazar recalled.

She informed him that she intended to donate a kidney to a former patient. But, if things changed. She'd let him know.

"In May, she came into the station and said she had a kidney if I wanted it. I said: 'Yeah, let's do this..."

On Dec. 29, 2025, he received the gift that put his career, and more importantly, his life, back on track.

After recovering and hard work, Alcazar reported for his next shift at the fire station a few weeks ago. 

These are just some of the lives impacted by Kidneys for Communities.