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Scott and Cindy Chafian got married on January 25, 1997. The couple from Virginia are incredibly devoted to the other.
When Cindy was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, a condition that causes excessive cysts to grow on her kidneys and shut down the organs function, Scott immediately offered to donate one of his kidneys to her.
But Cindy refused. She wanted to fight for her health and not rely on her husband if possible.
“It is very difficult. When I started out I wanted to do home dialysis. Peritoneal, where I had a little bit more control. I've been through two years of one surgery after another,” Cindy said.
For the past two years, she’s been on a home dialysis system, where it’s easier for the couple to work together on their life together.
But even then, it’s almost impossible to maintain a “normal” life. Everything from cooking dinner to going out to a nearby park is almost impossible for Cindy because it causes her too much pain.
Over time, despite Cindy and Scott’s best efforts, her condition continued to deteriorate over time.
In 2016, when Cindy’s health “hit…rock bottom,” she finally agreed to her husband’s six-year-old offer. “I said okay, I’m ready,” she remembered.
Scott went into the hospital to complete tests that would determine if he would be a suitable as a potential donor for Cindy.
Just five days before Christmas, the couple received the news: He was a match. Their transplant surgery would be set for January 24, 2017 – just one day before their 20th anniversary.
"He called me and he told me that everything was a go. He gave me a date and that was the first time I allowed myself any emotion and I actually cried," Cindy said.
The couple is now working to raise money for their upcoming medical procedures, as well as their future recovery. If you can, please donate here.
You can watch a news clip of the loving husband and wife here:
