Jackson Health System

When Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in 2017, brothers Emilio (24) and Mauricio (19) Barbosa Martinez never imagined their trip to Miami would change the course of their lives. Both living with Alport syndrome, a genetic disease that slowly damages the kidneys, each brother would face his own road to a kidney transplant, years apart, but never alone.

Emilio was the first to need a transplant, receiving a kidney from a generous family friend in 2018 under the care of Dr. Jayanthi Chandar and the pediatric kidney transplant team at Miami Transplant Institute. He went on to finish high school, earn his bachelor's degree, and is now completing his master’s degree.

Years later, Mauricio followed in his brother's footsteps, receiving his own transplant in January 2025. With Emilio's experience to lean on and the same dedicated team by his side, he pushed through dialysis and a senior year split between two places, determined to come out stronger on the other side.

💬 “I had a big role model that already went through it,” he said about his brother. “I traced his footsteps, and knew that at the end of the day I was going to be okay.”

Today, both brothers are thriving, bonded by an experience few will ever understand, and grateful for the donors and doctors who gave them a second chance at life. 🙏

🔗 Read more about Emilio and Mauricio's story at https://jacksonhealth.org/blog/bonded-by-brotherhood-and-a-kidney-transplant-at-miami-transplant-institute/

It's the daily habits, the check-ins, and the moments you choose to put your health first. Let's build a healthier life together, one day at a time.

PTSD is one of the most common and most misunderstood responses to trauma.

It's more than flashbacks or nightmares. It can affect sleep, concentration, mood, relationships, and the ability to feel safe or present in everyday life. For survivors of sexual violence, PTSD is especially common. Sometimes symptoms appear right away. Sometimes they surface weeks, months, or years later.

Healing doesn't happen on a timeline, but it does happen.

Recognizing the signs is the first step toward getting support. If you or a loved one has been impacted by sexual violence, the Roxcy Bolton R**e Treatment Center is here with 24/7 confidential care.

📞 Call our hotline: 305-585-RAPE (7273)

Pick an emoji, follow the line, and discover one of our locations waiting for you.

No matter where you land, you'll find convenient care close to home. 💙

Need care today? Visit https://jacksonurgentcare.com/ to reserve your spot.

Celebrating the heart of Jackson, our incredible team. 💙

This week, we celebrated YOU. From small moments of connection to big smiles all around, thank you for the compassion, dedication, and hard work you bring every day.

Our patients and community are lucky to have you.