“How Firm Thy Friendship, O-hi-o” – The Kidney Transplant That Formed a Bruin-Buckeye Bond

As a Bruin, Hernando Marroquin ’74 bleeds blue and gold through and through. But in July 2023, the Ohio State Buckeyes became a vital part of his life.

Literally.

In the summer of 2021, Marroquin began experiencing symptoms of kidney failure. Over the next two years, he made significant lifestyle changes in an effort to protect his health, including adopting a vegan diet. Years earlier, Hernando had also undergone bypass surgery.

After connecting with Dr. Anjay Rastogi, head of nephrology and the CORE Kidney Program at UCLA Health, Marroquin was placed on the transplant waitlist and became a candidate for the program. Not long after learning he would need a new kidney, three individuals stepped forward as potential donors. But after a series of detailed and rigorous screenings, each was ruled out as a match.

Then, on July 20, 2023, came the call.

“I remember it clearly,” Fran Marroquin ’73, Hernando’s wife, said with a smile. “The transplant coordinator from the Connie Frank Transplant Center at UCLA Health called Hernando and said, ‘I’ve got good news and bad news. The good news is we found a donor. The bad news is you need to be ready for surgery by next Tuesday.’ Hernando had to stop him — this was anything but bad news.”

Five days later, on July 25, 2023, Hernando underwent a successful kidney transplant. The new kidney functioned immediately.

While the procedure was a success, one question lingered: Who had made this life-saving gift possible?

Because of HIPAA privacy laws, the Marroquins were initially unable to connect directly with the donor. That didn’t stop them from trying.

“The doctors were impressed by how positive he was and how quickly he regained his health,” Fran said. “Hernando was basically back to full health.”

“We sent messages through our transplant coordinator. I gave my name, my phone number, sent letters — the works,” Hernando said. “I was so thankful. I just wanted to express my gratitude.”

Every message made its way to the donor through the transplant network coordinated by the University of Cincinnati. But it wasn’t until a Christmas card in the winter of 2024 that Hernando received a reply from Dave Jessen — a retired mechanical engineer from Wapakoneta, Ohio, and a lifelong Buckeyes fan.

“It wasn’t that I wasn’t appreciative,” Jessen said. “It just took me time to process what had happened and the outpouring of gratitude from Hernando.”

Phone calls followed. A friendship began to take shape. And when the opportunity arose to meet in person, the setting felt almost too fitting.

On Nov. 15, 2025, Marroquin’s Bruins traveled to Columbus to face Jessen’s Buckeyes. Before kickoff, the UCLA Alumni Association hosted a Bruin Bash pregame event at the Schottenstein Center on the campus of Ohio State University.

“We had spoken so many times on the phone that I felt like we already knew each other,” Jessen said. “But it was special to finally meet in person. They’re so focused on giving back to the community — truly wonderful, caring people.”

“When we first met, I gave him a big hug,” Hernando said. “I immediately felt a connection with Dave. He’s one of the most humble people I’ve ever met.”

During the Bruin Bash, Alumni Association staff presented Jessen with a UCLA blanket after Fran shared the story of the transplant and the remarkable bond that followed.

“Even though it was a home game for Ohio State, we were blown away by the kindness and hospitality of the UCLA fans and staff,” Jessen said. “UCLA has some great people. Bruins should be proud.”

The Buckeyes went on to win, 48-10. But by then, the scoreboard felt secondary. The next day, Fran and Hernando Marroquin and Dave and Amy Jessen gathered again for lunch, cementing a friendship that would extend well beyond a single Saturday in November.

Long before experiencing life-saving care at UCLA Health, Fran and Hernando had already built a lifetime of ties to UCLA. 

Fran’s father, Rudy Cordova, earned his Ph.D. in education from UCLA in 1970. Fran graduated in 1973 with a degree in sociology, and Hernando followed in 1974. Married since 1978, they later watched their children, Andrew and Amanda, continue the family tradition as Bruins.

“UCLA’s been such a vital part of our family,” Fran said. “We raised our kids as Bruins, took them to games, and now we’re taking our grandkids. Game day is a big deal for us.”

But to the Marroquins, UCLA is more than game days or diplomas on the wall.

Since 1990, they have owned and operated several McDonald’s franchises across the West Coast, employing more than 2,000 people. The family’s management has also been recognized for its excellence by McDonald’s corporate office. Humbly, the Marroquins credit both their UCLA education and their upbringing for shaping their leadership and work ethic.

“UCLA helped us learn how to run a business,” Fran said. “But our parents taught us how to work hard. That’s what we passed on to our kids.”

UCLA’s impact has also been profoundly personal.

“UCLA saved my daughter’s life after a horrific accident the day after her high school graduation,” Fran said. “And, of course, it saved Hernando’s life with his kidney transplant. Its impact runs deep in our family.”

Today, the Marroquins channel that gratitude into action — supporting the Wooden Athletic Fund, the UCLA Alumni Association, the UCLA Latino Alumni Association and UCLA Health. They have given several scholarships through the Latino Alumni Association and are currently establishing a scholarship fund for students in the medical field. They have also been instrumental in the opening and expansion of the Ronald McDonald Westside House near campus, supporting UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital.

“UCLA has impacted our family so much — Fran’s parents, us, our kids and so many others,” Hernando said. “It’s a joy to give back because it has given us so much. We try to impact as many people as possible. That’s always been our goal.”

“We don’t just want to give money and walk away,” he added. “We want to invest in people. With our scholarship fund, I hope a future medical student sees the impact UCLA had on their life and chooses to give back someday. We want them to know we believe in them.”

Since that November meeting in Columbus, the Marroquins and the Jessens have remained in regular contact. Plans are already forming for a reunion when the Buckeyes travel west.

Until then, as Ohio State’s hallowed alma mater “Carmen Ohio” reminds its faithful…

“The seasons pass, the years will roll;

Time and change will surely show.

How firm thy friendship — O-hi-o!”

And thanks to a donated kidney — and a new chapter in conference realignment — that friendship now includes UCLA.

March is National Kidney Month, a time when communities across the country raise awareness about kidney disease. Learn more about UCLA’s groundbreaking work in kidney research and treatments, and discover how to take charge of your health and the many factors that go into managing kidney disease.

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