RIVERSIDE: Slain teen’s grandmother meets kidney recipient

Press Enterprise | Brian Rokos
KURT MILLER/THE PRESS-ENTERPRISE
Bernice Hobdy, grandmother of slain Riverside teen Lareanz Simmons, gets a hug from Alejandro Valenzuela, in center, who received Lareanz's kidney, at right is his wife Maria Valenzuela as they meet for the first time at Riverside Community Hospital on Thursday, November 21, 2013.

Alejandro Valenzuela handed Bernice Hobdy a potted plant and a box of chocolates. The gifts were a small token of appreciation, Valenzuela said, considering what Hobdy’s grandson had given him: a second chance at life.

Lareanz Simmons’ right kidney now lives inside of Valenzuela, who had waited 10 years for a transplant and had endured dialysis treatments three times a week.

Hobdy and Valenzuela met for the first time Thursday, Nov. 21, at Riverside Community Hospital. That’s where on Feb. 23, 2012, Lareanz died after being gunned down near his home on Georgia Street in Riverside. Lareanz, whose slaying remains unsolved, was a 14-year-old student and Jr. ROTC cadet at Poly High.

______________________________________________________ 
"You have the power to SAVE lives." 
To register as a donor TODAY
In California: 
www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org | www.doneVIDAcalifornia.org 
Outside California: 
www.organdonor.gov | www.donatelife.net

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