Valley Man’s Kidney Donation Saves Mother’s Life at Dignity Health Norton Thoracic Institute

(PHOENIX - Aug. 26, 2025) – When a Valley man found out his mother’s life was dependent on a kidney transplant, he didn’t hesitate and gave her one of his own at Norton Thoracic Institute at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. Today, Jeff Webster of Buckeye, is sharing his family’s story to shed light on the critical need of organ donation in minority communities in recognition of Minority Donor Awareness Month.

“My mom and I are now closer than ever, literally!” said Jeff. “I am honored to have been able to help save my mother’s life. The testing and procedure itself was so simple. My hope is to encourage others to take this step and become an organ donor, especially people of color.”

Corrine Webster has been living with diabetes for 15 years which progressed into kidney failure over time. In early 2025, her family learned she needed a kidney transplant to survive due to her advancing disease.

Minority groups are disproportionately affected by kidney disease. In fact, African Americans are three times more likely than white Americans to develop kidney failure due to higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure. Hispanics and Native Americans also experience higher rates of kidney failure prompting a call for more minority groups to become organ donors to diversify the donor pool.

“Any compatible donor, regardless of race, can be lifesaving,” said Gabriel Quiroz, kidney transplant coordinator at Norton Thoracic Institute. “ When we’re matching an organ for transplantation, we are looking for the best ‘fit’ or genetic compatibility between recipients and donors. People with a shared ethnic background tend to have similar genetic markers which can lead to the best chance of the recipient's body and immune system responding well to the donated organ.”

After learning that a kidney transplant was a last resort for his mother’s survival, Jeff along with his father and sister, all underwent testing to see if they were a match. Jeff knew in his gut that he would be the right fit.

“When I found out I was a match, there was no question in my mind that I was going to do it,” said Jeff. “The first thing I did was Google ‘life after transplant.’ I read that I would most likely go on to live a very normal life and I was even more ready to give my mom the gift of life.”

In April, Jeff and his mother underwent successful procedures at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s. Today, Jeff is thankful to be able to create new memories with his mother and his two young boys. 

“Watching my mother bond with her grandsons is one of my biggest joys,” said Jeff. “The gift of organ donation made this possible. I sometimes forget I even donated an organ because it hasn’t physically impacted my day to day life. I encourage everyone in the community to become an organ donor.”

To register to be an organ donor, please visit Donate Life Arizona.

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