A devoted girlfriend gave her boyfriend the gift of life this Valentine’s Day, after donating one of her kidneys to the 30-year-old.
Travis Spire-Sweet underwent surgery at a Kansas City hospital, Missouri, last week after Taesha Benson, 32, was found to be a perfect match as a donor. Today they’re recovering at home together.
Spire-Sweet was born with a kidney that only partially functioned and he had been on a donor’s list for just over 12 months when his girlfriend of a year offered to give up her organ.
True love: Taesha Benson, 32, gave boyfriend, Travis Spire-Sweet, 30, her kidney after dating for one year
She said: "You're not going to walk into this as a brave person. I walked into it complete scared out of my mind.
"You could see the fear on my face the day of the surgery and knew it was the right decision."
Spire-Sweet said he was overwhelmed by the gift.
"I leaned over and saw that she was awake (after the surgery) and she was okay," he said.
"And I was, like, 'That's the person who saved my life.' I couldn't have asked to do it with someone more precious and special," he said.
Life saving surgery: Travis pictured in Kansas City hospital, in Missouri, as he goes in for his kidney transplant
Gift of life: Taesha pictured in Kansas City hospital, in Missouri, as she goes in to surgery to donate her kidney
Benson added: "Initially you think, ‘How could I do that? I don't have it in me.’
"But over time I got to know Travis and his love of life. Not many people come along who have his integrity, character and optimism. Travis just happens to be my boyfriend. He has provided me with a new love of life."
While February 14th is universally recognized as Valentine's Day, few are aware that National Donor Day is also celebrated that day.
National Donor Day was established in 1998 and is recognized as a time to raise awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation.
On average, 18 people die each day waiting for transplants because of a shortage of donated organs, according to statistics.
Fatal condition: Travis Spire-Sweet was born with a kidney that only partially functioned
Close bond: The couple are seen hugging each other in the Kansas hospital
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2278823/The-greatest-Valentines-Day-gift-Taesha-Benson-donates-kidney-boyfriend-Travis-Spire-Sweet.html#ixzz2KzCNqIGu
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