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Gift of a Lifetime

A ceremony began Annabelle and Robert Villarreal's life together, a surgery saved it

It was October 2012. On top of Annabelle Villarreal’s lupus and type 2 diabetes, her kidneys were failing. She was anxiously awaiting a donor kidney, but it turned out none of her immediate family could donate a kidney. Her husband Robert took it upon himself to get tested, and as in life, the Villarreals were a perfect match. Robert surprised his wife with the good news. He dropped to one knee and said “Twenty-two years ago, I gave you my heart. Now will you take my kidney?” A second yes, then a surgery followed. Five years later, the Villarreals are stronger than ever. Read more of their inspiring story here.

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Gift of a Lifetime

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