Glendale father of 2 searching for living kidney donor to get life-saving transplant

GLENDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- A Glendale father of two who has chronic kidney disease is in a race against time to find a living donor.

The moments with his daughters are precious to Michael Anthony Hermogeno.

"Knowing that I'm still here to see my girls grow up makes it all worth it," he said. "It makes all the effort seem like nothing."

Hermogeno suffered a heart attack last year, and two months later his kidneys shut down. Since then, he has been on dialysis. Now, severe heart disease is threatening his life.

"I'm in a bit of a race for time is what my doctors are telling me," he said.

He is on UCLA's donor list, but it's unclear if his heart will be healthy enough to accept a cadaver's kidney so they are looking for a living donor.

Hermogeno is a professional photographer who has worked with celebrities, including actor David Hasselhoff.

The support of his family helps Hermogeno stay positive. He and his 6-year-old daughter wear matching "kidney needed" T-shirts. His 12-year-old even took CPR classes to learn what to do if he has issues.

"I don't think about tomorrow. I don't think about next week. Every morning that I actually wake up, I'm grateful," he said.

For anyone who may be interested in becoming a donor can learn more at the UCLA living donor line website.

Hermogeno also has a GoFundMe page, if you would like to donate, click here.