Saturday (26/10) marks the first anniversary of Thabo Mvalo’s life-saving procedure. They plan to visit the Western Cape first but say it’s the first of many trips.

Thabo and his wife Judith expressed their gratefulness for Thabo being alive and being able to finally live life to its fullest by doing everything they have always wanted to.

“If the approval goes well – and they say everything is well and they give us the green light, then we’re leaving. We have already booked our accommodation,” said Thabo.

'At first, I was surprised, but grateful at the same time'

A spouse is rarely able to donate an organ to their partner, and Judith Mvalo and Thabo Mvalo are one of the luckiest couples to be part of this rare occurrence.

Initially, a family member who did not want to be named was being prepared to donate their kidney, passed and completed all the tests, except for the last one. They then looked for other options. That’s when Judith decided to test if she was a match.

“At first, I was surprised, but grateful at the same time because then I knew that I was going to help my husband, I’m going to give my husband life,” said Judith.

“Because what we’ve been through for six, seven years with dialysis I was very happy and thanked God, because of how rare it is for a couple to be a match.”

Judith hopes to write a book on the experience, to share it with other couples or families that might have gone through a similar situation, and also give advice on how to make it through such an experience. Since she’s studying full-time, she hasn’t had time to start writing yet, but she plans to start soon.

Thabo is grateful he could return to work six months ago, being surrounded by supportive colleagues. He and Judith wish to thank everyone who’s assisted them through the process, including Universitas Hospital staff, their colleagues, family and friends.

OFM News/Casey-Lee Anthony cg