I donated a kidney to my husband – we were a 1:22 million match
A woman saved her husband’s life by donating a kidney – after it turned out to be a one in 22 million match.
Donna Creed, 49, of Leicester, England, donated the organ to her critically ill partner Darren, 51, last month – and it’s already been life-changing after he became so ill he was barely able to hold a conversation.
“I cannot put into words how grateful I am; It’s the best gift she could ever give me,” Darren told South West News Service. “She gave me life.”
“To hear the odds were 22 million to one was just amazing – there’s a better chance of us winning the lottery.”
Darren was first diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, a genetic disorder that causes cysts in a kidney, 12 years ago, they say the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases.
He was given a drug that slowed the progression of the disease for about three to four years, the 51-year-old explained.
But last year the worst happened and his kidney function dropped to just 19 percent, leaving him extremely exhausted.
Darren faced long-term dialysis until doctors could find a suitable kidney donor.
“I wasn’t too hopeful since the odds were so great,” he told the outlet. “We went away and asked family and friends and a lot of people volunteered to get tested.
“But the first person to be tested was Donna and incredibly I got lucky the first time because it turned out she could keep up.”
His wife even said it was the “greatest gift” she could ever give him and they were all shocked by the results.
“We really didn’t think I’d be able to compete because the odds are so slim, but every test we’ve done seems like it fits,” said Donna, who works as a hotel manager.
The couple, who have been married for 33 years, had scheduled the procedure for June but just a day before Darren’s blood pressure spiked and he had to undergo dialysis treatment.
However, in July he was given the green light and underwent the transfer.
“Darren woke up from the transplant a new person,” gushed his wife.
“I’m still recovering but I’m already feeling the difference,” said Darren. “Before we couldn’t socialize as much, I was always so tired. I had to watch what I ate.”
And it has not only changed the life of the 51-year-old, but also her family.
“He was doing so well. It was like getting my husband back from 25 years ago,” Donna said. “He was laughing and joking where he had been so tired before.”
She also urged others to consider organ donation as you never know who you might be a match for.
“It’s awesome to be able to do this for your husband, a family member, or even a complete stranger,” she explained.
“It’s such a gift for just a week’s discomfort.”
