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KANSAS CITY, Missouri — While many people are recovering from the sugar overload of chocolates gifted on Valentines Day, one man is recovering from a kidney transplant donated by his girlfriend.
According to KAIT-TV, Travis Spire-Sweet, 30, was born with a partially functioning kidney. His parents were told that he wouldn't survive past his first birthday.
Spire-Sweet has since become an advocate for organ donation and was on a donation list for over a year. His twin brother wanted to donate his kidney, but he wasn't a match.
When Spire-Sweet's girlfriend, Taesha Benson, 32, discovered that she was a perfect match, she decided to give the heartfelt gift for a Valentine's Day present.
"Initially you think, 'How could I do that?' " Benson told KAIT-TV. " '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 happened to be my boyfriend. He has provided me with a new love of life."
Many people were surprised at Benson's sacrifice since the two had been dating less than a year. The couple underwent surgery at Kansas City Hospital a week before Valentine's Day and spent the holiday together recovering at home.
Spire-Sweet was extremely grateful of his girlfriend's sacrifice and invaluable gift.
"That's the person who saved my life," Spire-Sweet said. "I couldn't have asked to do it with someone more precious and special."
