South Florida

South Florida Husband Donates Kidney to Wife of 22 Years

Doctors say finding a kidney match is rare

What to Know

  • Monica and Cesar Calle have been married for over 20 years.
  • Monica suffered from polycystic kidney disease after having their third child.
  • Monica recovered well from the five-hour procedure she had on Feb. 19.

Cesar Calle was the perfect match for his wife of over 22 years, Monica, in more ways than one. 

"It's kind of like winning the lottery," Monica said.

After having their third child, Monica suffered from polycystic kidney disease. Two and a half years ago she started peritoneal dialysis, a method of removing waste from the bloodstream when the kidney cannot. 

When Cesar found out he was a match to donate his kidney to Monica, he said he was "shocked."

Doctors say finding a kidney match is rare.

"A perfect match is found only in cases like identical twins," said Dr. Juan Arenas from Memorial Hospital’s Transplant Institute. "Parent-to-sibling, you may be lucky and have a 50 percent match, and sibling-to-sibling a 25 percent match.”

Cesar said the match brought him joy and happiness" and that he and Monica are now closer than ever before.

Monica recovered well from the five-hour procedure she had on Feb. 19. She will celebrate her 23rd anniversary to her perfect match, Cesar, this week. 

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