For teacher Michelle Asido Hernandez, life is a precious gift

Photos courtesy of Michelle Asido Hernandez

 By Doug Spoon, Editor

Most people didn’t know the extent of Michelle Asido Hernandez’ health problems. When they saw her enlarged abdomen, they asked if she was pregnant. “No,” she said. “I just ate a big burrito.”

A first grade teacher at Freedom Crest Elementary School in Menifee, Hernandez did a pretty good job of hiding her condition. But sometimes, exhaustion got the best of her. She would sleep in her car during lunch hour. Taking her two daughters to extracurricular activities after school became a challenge.

Born with Polycystic Kidney Disease and Polycystic Liver Disease, Hernandez knew she would have to face some major challenges as the diseases progressed. Her father died of the genetic condition at age 45 – the same age Hernandez is now. Two years ago, the time for dramatic treatment had come. With greatly enlarged kidneys and liver, on Aug. 22, 2022 Michelle underwent a bilateral nephrectomy and double organ transplant, replacing her right kidney and liver. During a surgery that took nearly eight hours, the new kidney shut down and she was placed on dialysis.

Two days later, her left kidney was removed and she was placed in an induced coma. As her husband John traveled back and forth to the hospital UC San Diego, Michelle began a long and challenging recovery.

Today, Hernandez is back teaching at Freedom Crest, in her 11th year of mentoring little ones. To her students as well as her colleagues and all who know her, she is an inspiration and a testament to the power of positive thinking.

“Despite the numerous challenges with this disease, I tried to maintain a positive attitude and be grateful for what I do have,” Hernandez said. “I woke up with a purpose daily even though it was tough as I struggled with PKD and PLD, which made me chronically fatigued.

“Mornings were especially tough, as I would wake up exhausted from restless nights and the discomfort of my enlarged abdomen. Getting my two young girls ready for school while battling my illness was a daily challenge … I preferred not to dwell on the pains or complaints; what good does it do? I fulfilled these responsibilities out of love for my family and community and faith in God.”

Hernandez said she found strength in gratitude for her organ donor – a woman in her 20s who died too young but gave Michelle the ultimate gift.

“I’m lucky to be alive, but there’s sadness because she died so young,” she said.

Hernandez said she tried her best to live a normal life prior to her surgery, but it was often very difficult.

“As a teacher and a mom, I tried my very best to face the challenges,” she said. “I kept telling myself I could get through the obstacles. But there was a time I couldn’t take it anymore. I couldn’t deal with what people were saying.”

She attended a Saturday boot camp at LA Fitness, where participants were cheering each other on and emphasizing the benefits of physical strength. Then one person looked her way and shouted, "You go mama, pregnant and all!"

“It really crushed my spirit,” she said. “It took a toll on my mental health. I had thoughts that I wouldn’t make it.”

It was her faith in God and reliance on Biblical scriptures that helped her through.

“Psalm 23 was really helpful as I prepared for surgery,” she said. “I knew I had to fight because my kids needed me.”

An immigrant from the Philippines, Hernandez grew up in a poor neighborhood in National City, near San Diego. Her father died when she was 13 and her mother began working two jobs. Michelle was forced to attend continuation school because her family moved so much.

“Every time the rent went up, we’d move,” she said. “I never had a place to call home. There were always sirens, drug dealers … I got beat up because I wouldn’t join a gang.”

It was a struggle, but Hernandez got her GED and made it through college. She even went back to get her Master’s degree after the double transplant. Those who know her story are inspired by all she has done.

"Michelle is a truly exceptional and cherished member of our Freedom Crest Elementary School family,” said principal Eli Orr. “Her journey has not been without its challenges, but her resilience has really shone through every obstacle.

“Despite the tremendous difficulties she has overcome, her commitment to her students has been nothing short of inspiring. Her presence in our school is a beacon of hope and a source of encouragement. We are grateful for her and proud to have her as part of our team."

“When I was going to be out for a year, I told Mr. Orr I wanted to come back,” Hernandez said. “It’s tough to hold a position for someone for a year. He advocated for me and there was a position for me to come back to.”

Through her selfless actions and love for her students, Hernandez remains an example to others of how to appreciate life and how to be grateful for those who provide help.

“I wouldn’t be here if not for my angel donor,” she said. “I think about her all the time. She has my profound gratitude for her selfless act of love and her compassionate spirit.”