FREEDOM, Wis. (WFRV) - In a powerful act of love and sacrifice, Julie Malliet donated her kidney to her husband, Dave, who had been battling chronic kidney disease for years.
Dave's condition, a result of his long-term diabetes, left him on dialysis for four and a half years. His health continued to deteriorate, and he faced the loss of his job due to the time-consuming treatments.
"I spent a long time with chronic kidney disease as a result of longtime diabetes and got to the point where I eventually got to dialysis. I was on dialysis for about four and a half years," Dave explained.
As his condition worsened, the couple began searching for a potential kidney donor. After several failed attempts with family members, the doctors suggested Julie undergo testing to see if she could be a match.
"They looked at the one that was second on the list and that was me, and they called me up and asked if I was interested. I said that I want to do this, I want to test," Julie recalled.
To their amazement, Julie was a perfect match, something that surprised both of them. "I was floored because I thought, what are the odds a wife would be able to give to the husband?" Julie said.
In late June, Julie underwent the transplant procedure at the Mayo Clinic, and just days later, Dave was out of the hospital, free from the burden of dialysis. The match was surprisingly quick, and the procedure was successful.
"They were very surprised by how good of a match she was. Usually, matching a donor to a recipient is a months-long deal, but with her, the first time they matched us, it went extremely well," Dave said.
Reflecting on the life-changing gift, Dave added, "I always knew she was a very special person, I was very blessed. She's been there for every doctor's appointment, numerous surgeries, and medical procedures, she's been by my side. And obviously, she's certainly raised the bar on gift giving."
Julie's selfless act not only gave Dave a new chance at life but also a positive shift to their entire family.
"I wish I could tell you in words. This is just like the ads that say priceless. I mean, our family is living a whole different lifestyle now when he would be sick from dialysis and sleep the day away. He is living now," Julie said.
Today, their children are witnessing a new, healthier version of their father.
"I always knew my dad was sick, ever since I was younger, and when I got to see him healthy, it just blew my mind. He's way more sillier than he used to be," their daughter shared.
For Julie, the decision to donate her kidney was about more than just a medical procedure.
"I want them to realize you can live an incredible life with one kidney and you are giving someone their life back," she said.
For Dave, the gift was a reminder of the power of love and family.
"You don't realize what a gift you have until something like this happens, and I've been so blessed with not only being a part of her family, which has been very supportive. I don't know what I ever did to deserve her, but I'm going to spend the rest of my life trying to do that," he said.
The Malliets' story is a testament to the incredible bond between husband and wife and the lengths we go to for those we love.