Wife’s Selfless Act: Ocala Woman Donates Kidney to Husband in Life-Saving Surgery
OCALA, Fla. – In a remarkable display of love and commitment, Dawn Diaz has donated a kidney to her husband, Irving Diaz, following a prosperous surgery that has left both recovering. The uncommon compatibility between the couple has been a source of profound gratitude for Irving, who has battled kidney issues for years.
Irving Diaz, 36, expressed his astonishment at his wife’s perfect match, a rarity in kidney donation. “I couldn’t comprehend it. I was like, is this really, truly happening? It was shocking,” he shared. Dawn Diaz recounted a spiritual certainty leading up to the donation, stating, “I definitely prayed about it and talked to God, and I just knew.” she felt divinely assured of her compatibility throughout the evaluation process.
The journey to this life-saving transplant began for Irving when he was just 15. Diagnosed with end-stage renal failure in 2007, he experienced meaningful health challenges, including swelling, fatigue, severe depression, and a loss of appetite.At 17, he underwent his frist kidney transplant. Shortly after,he met Dawn,and their lives became intertwined,leading to a marriage and two children.
more recently, Irving faced a setback, requiring port surgery and commencing dialysis a year and a half ago. This period of treatment concluded with the successful transplant of Dawn’s kidney. “I think anyone would want to be tested,” Dawn said, reflecting on her motivation. “When it’s someone you love, and the father of your children, or the mother of your children, a sister, brother, anyone, a friend that you love, you want to do what you can to save them.”
Doctors anticipate that Irving’s new kidney could function for 15 to 20 years with diligent care. While acknowledging it as a vital, albeit temporary, solution, Irving expressed immense pride in receiving this gift from his wife.