The Story of Melina Sofia Lynn De La Lastra
What began as what seemed like an ordinary illness rapidly turned into a medical nightmare.
After Sofia became seriously ill in 2025, doctors discovered that her kidneys were failing. She endured hospitalizations and extensive testing before being diagnosed with two autoimmune conditions: ANCA vasculitis and Anti-GBM (Goodpasture disease).
THE DIALYSIS
Today, Sofia is receiving dialysis at home seven days a week. Dialysis is keeping her alive — but a transplant can give her the chance to get back to something every child deserves: school, friends and sleepovers, normal days, time with her family, and a childhood beyond dialysis.
CONSIDER BEING A DONOR?
Sofia can potentially receive a kidney directly from a compatible O+ or O− donor. Potential donors must be medically evaluated by the transplant team.
You do not need to know Sofia personally. You do not need to assume you are a match. And getting screened does not mean you are obligated to donate.
HOW TO HELP SOFIA
Sofia’s transplant hospital: Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD), Norfolk, Virginia
Donor information/contact: kidney4sofia@gmail.com
Recipient: Melina Sofia Lynn De La Lastra (date of birth October 15, 2013)
NOT A MATCH?
Please don’t rule yourself out just because your blood type is different. Through kidney paired exchange, a person who isn’t directly compatible with Sofia may still be able to donate a kidney to another compatible recipient, allowing Sofia to receive a compatible kidney in return.
One story can reach millions. One introduction can save a life. One act of generosity can change a family’s future forever.
Could you be a living kidney donor? Join our kidney donor list. Signing up never commits you.
Be a Kidney Donor →Help Sofia De La Lastra Today
Share this story, make a donation, or reach out to Lauren to discuss how you can help directly.