A Filipino husband proved just how far he was willing to go for love—by donating one of his kidneys to his wife suffering from stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD), despite having a deep fear of injections.
Christian Paul Samson and his wife, Veronica Joyce Cawigan Samson, shared their story through GMA Public Affairs, recounting how their relationship of four years led to marriage and ultimately, a life-saving decision.
Joyce was diagnosed with CKD in 2021. “The same day po kinailangan ko pong mag-emergency dialysis, since March 2021, nagda-dialysis na po ako so that’s four years po,” she said, explaining her ongoing battle with the illness.
Christian admitted the diagnosis deeply affected him. “Nalungkot po ako noon siyempre tapos tuwing nagda-dialysis siya nahihirapan din po ako,” he recalled. “Iniisip ko na kapag may sakit na ganu’n, parang hindi na magtatagal, may taning na sa buhay.”
Despite still being in a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship at the time, Christian volunteered to donate one of his kidneys. Joyce initially rejected the idea, worried about the risks. “Hindi pa po kami kasal noon, mag-boyfriend pa lang kami… after po nu’n, ilang months, nag-propose po siya,” she shared. “Alam ko isa sa mga dahilan po noon, dahil gusto nga niyang mag-donate talaga.”
The couple proceeded to marry, and soon after, Christian underwent tests to see if he was a compatible donor. He passed, and the transplant was scheduled.
Throughout the ordeal, Christian stood by Joyce during every hospital visit. “May time po kasi noon na nag-emergency dialysis ako… tapos hindi po ako aware na naka-join pala siya sa mga kidney transplant groups,” Joyce recounted. “Minsan may mga times nakikita niya, ‘Love tingnan mo ito, ‘yung asawa niya nag-donate ng kidney, okay naman siya…’ ganoon po ‘yung mga sinasabi niya.”
Even with a fear of injections, Christian said he feared losing Joyce even more. “Siya ‘yung meron na lang po ako,” he said, holding back emotion.
Their successful transplant marked a turning point. “Masaya po ako siyempre lagi kong tinatanong, ano ba ‘yung nagawa ako bakit binigyan ako ng ganito?” said Joyce. “Pero lagi akong thankful po sa kaniya… kahit anong gawin ko, hindi ko masusuklian ‘yung ginawa niya para sa akin.”
Christian, in turn, expressed his relief. “Masayang masaya po ako siyempre, hindi na siya magda-dialysis and hindi ko na po siya nakikitang nahihirapan.”
