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Grieving Mom Donates Son's Kidney After Tragic Shooting
20 Apr
Summary
- A mother donated her son's kidney after he was fatally shot.
- The donated kidney saved the life of a man with polycystic kidney disease.
- Community initiatives raise awareness about gun violence in Chris Carnero's name.

In the wake of a tragic shooting, a Las Cruces mother has turned her grief into a life-saving gift. Janel Carnero's 13-year-old son, Chris, was fatally shot in late March. Following his death, Janel learned that Chris was a match for Sam Burgess, a man battling polycystic kidney disease (PKD).
Despite her profound loss, Janel Carnero reached out to the Burgess family, offering her son's kidney. The donation enabled Sam Burgess to undergo a transplant surgery in Rochester, Minnesota, providing him with a new lease on life. The Carnero family is now channeling their efforts into advocating for a safer community.
Janel Carnero is actively promoting gun violence awareness, initiating various charitable endeavors in her son's name. These include donating books to libraries worldwide, sports equipment to children's clubs, and stuffed animals to hospitals, all aimed at fostering a safer environment for children.