Boss Donates Life-Saving Kidney to Employee

Utah Business Owner Marcus Gilbert gives his 16-year-old employee a new kidney and a new chance at life

Orem, UT — (October 12, 2008) Marcus Gilbert, a Utah-area Charley’s Grilled Subs franchisee, recently gave one of his young employees, Juan Delgado, the ultimate gift of life by donating his kidney.

Juan has battled Chronic Kidney Disease for three years. Although health problems made it difficult for him to work, Marcus hired Juan six months ago at his Charley’s in University Mall (Orem, Utah). Today, both are at home recovering from the surgery.

"Just seeing him and his family through this whole process, I know I made the right decision and I know this is going to be a blessing for him. I'm just glad I got to be a part of it," Gilbert says.

One big surprise followed the surgeries, Charley Shin, founder and CEO of Charley’s Grilled Subs®, showed up at the hospital with a $10,000 check to assist with the medical bills.

“This is an amazing story of brotherly love,” shares Shin. “We are so proud to have an extended family that serves each other – and the community – with such compassion. Marcus’ dedication serves as an inspiration to us all.”

Delgado’s medical expenses are estimated to exceed $100,000. Consequently, a fund has been established with the Northwest Kidney Transplant Fund, a nonprofit organization that raises money exclusively for noninsured expenses. Donations can be made in Juan Delgado's name by calling (800) 642-8399, by visiting www.transplantfund.org or by sending donations directly to the National Transplant Assistance Fund (For Juan Delgado) at 150 N. Radnor Chester Road, Suite F-120, Radnor, PA 19087.