MIRACLE MARRIAGE
Wife donates kidney to save husband - who is now fit and well
SELFLESS. That is how Trevor Naicker describes his wife, Nicolene, who donated her kidney to him, so he could live.
The couple, who have been married for seven years, were in high spirits when POST spoke to them about it recently.
Nicolene was living in Cape Town and arrived in Durban for work purposes.
That’s when she met Trevor, who instantly fell in love with her bubbly personality.
Four months after they married, Trevor was diagnosed with renal failure, in January 2008.
“Trevor was driving when the sign boards on the road became a blur. We consulted a doctor and a blood test confirmed he was in the final stages of renal failure,” said Nicolene.
She felt her world crashing down on her.
“We had just married and I was expecting a happy-ever-after experience. Even though some days were more challenging than others, I did not give up.
“I knew God would see us through the darkness.”
Trevor quit work and began dialysis treatments four times a week.
“It was tough. Trevor changed overnight. He was not the man I married and I realised sickness changes a person.”
After two years passed and a donor was not found, Nicolene decided she needed to undergo tests to see if she was a suitable match.
“Initially Trevor disagreed but I was determined to help him. After getting my family’s support, I underwent various tests and learnt I was a suitable candidate.”
However, their celebrations were short-lived when they heard red tape would delay the operation.
“Because I am not a blood relative, I had to send a letter of motivation to the Minister of Health.
“We prayed every day that they would give us the nod of approval and last year, three weeks before the scheduled operation on November 5, we got the green light.”
On the day of the transplant at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Nicolene said she was more excited than nervous.
“I knew this was our second chance at life.”
While chances are the body can reject the organ, the couple remain hopeful. “We knew God had brought us this far.”
The Naickers remained in hospital for three weeks and had to rest for three months after that.
“My marriage has officially begun and I have my husband back.”
Trevor, who keeps fit by gymming and hiking, said he had never felt so good. He is still on immuno suppressants and working full-time.
“When you are diagnosed with an illness, you realise it’s the little things in life we take for granted. I plan on making the most of my second chance and no words can describe my gratitude to my amazing wife.”
The couple said children were definitely on the cards but they left everything to God.
Check out our medical feature on kidney disease next week.