Last month, young kidney dialysis patients Alen Stroller and Gerry Orozco from the Highline area were finally able to attend a high school prom.

The prom, sponsored by Northwest Kidney Centers, was in Southern California and included surprise visits by movie star Jack Black and "America's Got Talent" magician Michael Grasso. The magician is a three-time kidney transplant recipient.

Stroller, Orozco and about 250 young people were able to stop thinking about dialysis and renal disease for a couple of days and have a fun evening at the 12th Annual Renal Teen Prom, presented by the Renal Support Network.

"It was a great, great time," said 22-year-old Stroller, from Des Moines, who was able to fly for the very first time in his life. "We even got to see an Elvis impersonator."

Five years ago Stroller was too sick to attend his Mount Rainier High School prom.

Although Gerry Orozco did attend his senior prom at Highline High School in 2005, he felt that this prom would allow him to meet other people his age who have kidney disease.

Orozco and Stroller flew down to California together and stayed at the Sheraton Hotel in Burbank. While there they also made a trip to Universal Studios.

A native of Mexico, Orozco said, "I actually like the weather down there. It was 70 degrees in the morning." According to Orozco, his hometown in Mexico could get as hot as 120 degrees.

"We were picked up at the Sheraton with two other patients by this monster truck and taken to the event. There were lots of people there, including Jack Black," said Orozco.

According to Stroller, Black was humorous, although much shorter in real life than he expected.

"Jack Black met with lots of people and had pictures taken with each attendee," said Stroller.

The Renal Support Network is a patient-run, patient-focused organization that offers services to help people with kidney disease. Each year their Patient Focus has events for 14-24 year olds and this year they sponsored both young men. Stroller and Orozco are at the older end of this category, and for Orozco it was his last chance to attend.

Stroller has dealt with kidney disease from a young age. He had a kidney transplant at the age of 15.

Unfortunately, especially when young, they don't last forever and Stroller's transplanted kidney rejected about six months ago. He is now on the deceased donor list and is awaiting a second transplant. There is a possibility that his aunt will donate a kidney to him.

"It's a great place. All the nurses are terrific people," said Stroller in reference to the SeaTac Dialysis Center.

He chooses to go to dialysis at 5:30 a.m. and once hooked up goes back to sleep.

"This way I can get it done early and can do whatever for the rest of the day. Although when I get home I'm so tired that I pass out for a couple of hours," said Stroller.

Stroller is hoping to return to culinary school soon.

Now age 24, Orozco lost his kidneys three years ago. He worked long hours at a cleaning business and in order to stay alert during work he would consume three or four energy drinks per night.

According to Orozco his doctor believes that he lost his kidneys due to drinking too many energy drinks.
Orozco echoed Stroller's admiration for the SeaTac Dialysis Center.

"It's a great place," said Orozco. "All of the nurses and technicians are caring people. Tony, Sheila, Rebecca...they are all cool people and fun."

Orozco may be getting a donated kidney from a cousin in Mexico. Arrangements need to be made to bring him to Seattle.

"Everyone in Mexico is close," said Orozco who misses that aspect of his life in Mexico. "The extended families all spend time together."

Orozco now lives in an apartment with his mother, whom he speaks of with affection.

Like Stroller, Orozco is on the transplant list. Although extremely tired after dialysis he has a passion for life and tries to stay active. He loves playing soccer and working out at the gym.

Orozco has ambitious plans for the future and in April will begin a two-year automotive technologist program at South Seattle Community College. He also has dreams of studying drama and becoming an actor on Mexican soap operas.

"I want to stay focused and accomplish my goals so that someday in the future I will be able to provide for a wife and family," said Orozco.

Orozco has dialysis at Northwest Kidney Center in SeaTac three times a week, four or more hours a day. They both expressed great appreciation to the Northwest Kidney Centers for the opportunities presented to attend this event.