Wife Gives Husband Kidney for Christmas
Cheryl Rico gave her kidney to her husband a week before Christmas
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Mike Rico is a very lucky man this Christmas. He has his wife's heart and her kidney.
Hands down Cheryl Rico wins the South Florida award for best and most creative gift when she told doctors to transplant her kidney to her husband, ensuring the couple would spend many more holiday seasons together.
"He's got a piece of me forever," Cheryl told the Sun-Sentinel.
Cheryl Rico's gift was more like a stomach stuffer than a stocking stuffer, but we are sure Mike didn't mind. It kind of makes your Home Depot gift card idea or that iPod seem a little...inadequate, doesn't it?
An angel must have been smiling down on the Ricos because it's extremely rare that a married couple's kidneys would be compatible enough for a transplant. Doctors at Jackson Memorial Hospital said it's a 1-in-25,000 shot.
But sometimes, love's bond finds a way.
Mike Rico had been having kidney problems for nearly 30 years and his right kidney had already given out by the time doctors had determine he would need a kidney transplant to survive. His left kidney was on its last leg and he was on a list with 900 other people hoping for a new kidney.
Most die during the wait.
That's when Cheryl, as most wives do, took matters into her own hand.
"It was a no-brainer," she said.
After a battery of tests, doctors determined her kidney was a suitable match. The couple lay side-by-side during the operation on Dec. 17. It was a success and Mike says he feels like a new man.
So what do you get the woman who gave you life for Christmas?
A trip to Italy. Not quite equal payment, but having a healthy Mike around should keep Cheryl smiling.
Posted Thursday, Dec 24, 2009 - 6:35 AM EST
