Fall River Father Saved by Sister’s Kidney Donation

The good news many have been waiting for has finally arrived.

On Wednesday, October 1 at 5 p.m., the Macaroco family shared the update so many had been praying for: Joao “John” Macaroco of Fall River has officially undergone a life-saving kidney transplant — with his sister, Berta, as the donor.

After more than a year of grueling treatments, countless hospital visits, and dialysis sessions that left John exhausted, the moment his family had been waiting for has finally arrived.

The Update They Had Been Praying For

Kelsey Macaroco, John’s wife, announced the emotional news on Facebook after receiving what may have been the most relieving text message of her family’s life:

“Berta woke up a hero, and John’s about to wake up with kidney function. THANK GOD," it read.

The First Hours After Surgery

When asked how John was doing following the operation, Kelsey shared a mix of relief and raw honesty:

“He’s in a lot of pain, but he’s so happy. His sister’s doing great. We will know by tomorrow (October 2) if he needs dialysis, but he’s doing great so far," she said.

The surgery marks a turning point for the Fall River father, whose health struggles with ANCA vasculitis and kidney failure had placed a tremendous weight on his family, especially his five-year-old son Wesley.

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A Sister’s Sacrifice

Berta’s decision to step forward as a living donor not only gave her brother a second chance at life, but also renewed hope for their entire family.

Her gift means John can now look toward a future filled with more energy, more moments with his son, and more of the everyday joys that illness had stolen.

The Road Ahead

Though the Macarocos know recovery will take time and continued monitoring, this surgery is the milestone they had been praying for since John first fell ill in July of 2024.

READ MORE: Fall River Family Finds Hope in Life-Saving Kidney Match

With Berta’s kidney now giving John’s body the chance to heal, the family is filled with gratitude, relief, and renewed hope.