Dominican Academy Friendship Featured in NYU Langone Health News: A Lifesaving Bond That Began at D.A.

A friendship that began in the halls of Dominican Academy is now being celebrated far beyond them. The Summer 2026 issue of NYU Langone Health News features alumnae Paula Schneider, '14 and Lydia Fernandez, '14 in a moving cover story about the extraordinary bond that led Lydia to become Paula's living liver donor—an act of friendship that ultimately saved her life.

The story traces their friendship back to their very first day at Dominican Academy in September 2010. New to the school, Paula and her twin sister were sitting alone at lunch when Lydia decided to join them. The three quickly connected, and Paula and Lydia soon became inseparable, sharing weekends together and building a friendship rooted in kindness, trust, and unwavering support. After Paula was diagnosed with two autoimmune diseases during her first year of college, Lydia confided that she would be there for Paula if she ever needed an organ. When Paula's condition caused toxins to accumulate in her body and she eventually faced uncertain prospects for survival, Lydia remained true to the promise and volunteered to become Paula's living liver donor.

On November 30, 2022, the lifelong friends underwent an intricate eight-hour transplant surgery at NYU Langone. Lydia's donation gave Paula a second chance at life, and today both women are healthy and thriving.

The magazine shares not only the medical journey but also the enduring friendship that carried them through it—from serving as one another's maid of honor at their weddings to celebrating the lives they continue to build together. As Paula reflects in the story, "It took Lydia, my family, my wonderful doctors at NYU Langone, and a whole community to get me through this. I wouldn't be here without them."

Read the full story here.