The Sheriff’s Office, where Gary and Jerran work together, distributed a news release today with this inspiring story.
Not mentioned here, but hopefully in resulting news coverage, is the fact that dozens of deputies and correctional officers, including several sergeants, have signed up to work Jerran’s shifts for him so that he can recover without losing income or depleting his own sick time. That’s six weeks of work covered by their law enforcement brothers and sisters who just want to do something to help.
“I am humbled by the generosity of people,” Jerran said.
San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office
Public Information Office
400 County Center
Redwood City, CA 94063
Dep. Rebecca Rosenblatt
650-363-4800 (office)
650-421-1243 (cell)
pio@smcgov.org
NEWS RELEASE
Incident Date and Time:
Location:
Incident:
Summary:
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
San Francisco, CA
San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Officer
Gives the Gift of Life to Coworker’s Teenage Son
At 14 years old, Garrett Ramos was diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy, an immune system disorder that can result in
kidney failure when met with a virus or bacterial infection. This year, at 19 years, he found himself in full kidney failure
and spending up to 15 hours a day first on a manual dialysis and then on an automatic dialysis through the night.
Thankfully, this story has a happy ending and due a life-altering gift from one San Mateo County Correctional Officer.
Last summer, Garett’s father Gary; a Sergeant with the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, was in the process of donating
his kidney to Garrett, but some minor health issues disqualified him. He received the call at work that he could not himself
be a donor and was reeling from this news when a coworker stepped forward and asked if he himself could be a match.
That coworker was Jerran Higgins, a seven year veteran of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, who met Garett’s
father years earlier while the two played in a city hockey league. They remained close through work functions and social
gatherings, but the Ramos family never imagined the relationship would one day make the difference for their son.
Higgins called the hospital and began a months-long
screening process. After extensive testing, Higgins
learned he was a perfect match to donate a kidney
and as of yesterday, besides being a husband and
father of two, he also became a living kidney donor.
Although Jerran was a perfect match with a high
performing kidney, any healthy person can donate.
To find out more go to http://www.kidney.org and always
mark the donor boxes at the DMV.
More information is available about this incredible
story at Garrett’s blog https://garrettupdates.com/
garrett updates 
This is such a blessing! Thank you Jerran for your unselfishness! Gman this is the greatest news ever!!!!! Take care and get well so we can come visit. We love our Ramos Family!!!!
Dave & Joelle
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