WIFE DONATES KIDNEY TO AILING HUSBAND
When Judith Mvalo pledged her loyalty to her husband Thabo, she meant every word she said.
Her wedding vow that she would be supportive ‘in sickness and in health’ was put to the test, and Judith passed with flying colours. In March 2018, while undergoing training in Kimberley, Northern Cape, Thabo fell ill.
“I was rushing back to class when I collapsed and was taken to hospital. I was feeling dizzy, my legs were swollen and was experiencing pains on my back. The medical practitioners informed me that I had kidney failure. It was a stressful time for us because our eldest child was only two years old,” Mvalo said.
With complete kidney failure the official diagnosis, Mvalounderwent dialysis, a treatment for kidney failure. It has also been described as the medical word for filtering waste products and removing fluid from your body that kidneys are no longer able to remove.
He was scheduled to undergo transplant in 2019, but the outbreak of COVID-19 stopped the procedure.
“It was a difficult period because I had seizures and infections. My wife was naturally very concerned about me.
She offered to donate a kidney for me and thankfully, she was a perfect match. On the 26th October 2023, we underwent the operation at Universitas Academic hospital in Bloemfontein and the procedure was a success. We are perfectly fine and were blessed with a baby girl in 2021 while I was on dialysis. We had been told that chances of Judith conceiving naturally were very slim, so it was a miracle when she fell pregnant, and we named our daughter Masego (Blessings)”
Doctor Lehlohonolo Mkatsane from Bongani regional hospital in Welkom said it was extremely rare for people who are not blood related to become a match.
Read more news
- Tensions Escalate in Los Angeles as Immigration Raids Spark Mass Arrests and Military Presence
- Daughter Sentenced to Life for Father’s Murder Over ‘Muthi’ Allegations
- ANC SG Fikile Mbalula addresses Chris Hani conference
“It is rare, but possible. That is why you have people on waiting lists for a long period of time. Siblings are more likely to match, however chances of people who are not related matching are extremely low. I would say they are less than 1%,” said doctor Mkatsane.
MEC for Health, Mr. Monyatso Mahlatsi said: “We are thrilled to announce the success of our kidney transplant programme and dialysis services at Universitas Academic Hospital, Pelonomi Hospital, and other health facilities in the Free State.
This achievement reflects our commitment to enhancing the health of our patients, as exemplified by the inspiring story of Mr. Thabo Michael Mvalo.
Editor’s pick
- UPDATE ON THE KIDNAPPING CASE OF KAMOGELO BAUKUDI – 42-YEAR-OLD ACCUSED REMAINS IN CUSTODY
- Wanted for Murder: Police Hunt Man Accused in Engineer’s Fatal Shooting
- South African Parliament summons mobile giants over data costs
After battling kidney disease for over five years, he received a new kidney from his wife, Judith, whose selfless act underscores the vital role of organ donation and the strength of family support.”
