Kidney donor and recipient work together to raise awareness Carla Ballesteros saved John Brown's life in December by donating her kidney. Now the pair is working together to teach others about donation. Author: Maddie Gardner Updated: 5:07 PM EDT April 7, 2021 GREENSBORO, N.C. — A story of hope continues in the Triad. John Brown was in desperate need of a new kidney. Carla Ballesteros, who once worked with his wife, donated hers and saved his life. Nearly four months later they both say their life is almost back to normal after the surgery but they aren't letting their journey stop there. Now, the pair is pushing for more people to learn about organ donation.