 Early in  2018, I was diagnosed with (ESRD) End-Stage Renal disease, and I had to start dialysis immediately. I prayed to God for the first time in years and begged Him that, if He saved my life, I would dedicate my life to Him. Within seven months of that diagnosis, my cousin from Florida flew all the way to UCLA to donate her kidney and save my life.
 Since then, I have been a committed Catholic. I have also joined the Knights of Columbus here in Southern California, attend church almost daily, and serve my community in every way I can.
@zachary
April 26, 2026
My story back to Jesus Christ  
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@gabrielstcharlesApr 26Really great. Thanks be to God. Do you have any ideas as to how people can serve their community besides the usual stuff like soup kitchens etc?
@zacharyApr 27Well, most of what I do is through the Knights of Columbus. If you’re a man of 18 and a devout Catholic, you could join them. Just look around your city (some cities have multiple councils).
You can also think about your interests and join a group that does those things. For example, I love animals, so I’ve joined a couple of pet rescue organizations, helped out at a few animal shelters, and volunteered with Petco during their animal adoption events.
 I'm al so a big pro-life supporter, so I help ‘40 Days for Life’ when they have visuals outside Planned Parenthood. The Knights of Columbus assist with pregnancy centers by donating money or ultrasound systems, and volunteers are always needed to help out however those centers require.
 My best advice is to research. Trust me, there are more than enough organizations and people who need volunteer help.
You can also think about your interests and join a group that does those things. For example, I love animals, so I’ve joined a couple of pet rescue organizations, helped out at a few animal shelters, and volunteered with Petco during their animal adoption events.
 I'm al so a big pro-life supporter, so I help ‘40 Days for Life’ when they have visuals outside Planned Parenthood. The Knights of Columbus assist with pregnancy centers by donating money or ultrasound systems, and volunteers are always needed to help out however those centers require.
 My best advice is to research. Trust me, there are more than enough organizations and people who need volunteer help.
@misericordiaApr 29What a great story! Thanks be to God!
