It’s more than just chemistry that makes Errin and Chris Willenborg a perfect match. The Saskatoon couple was married in August, but it’s their remarkable journey to the alter that makes them so special.
“When we started dating I really didn’t want to tell him about my kidney disease and the dialysis I was on. But when I told him about it he thought about it for a while and said, ‘uh kidney function wasn’t high on his list of priorities for a girlfriend,’” Errin said.
READ MORE: Sask. organ donor celebrates special Valentine’s Day
“I just thought ‘I can’t do nothing, there’s a chance that I could be a match, even though it’s extremely low’ so I decided to get tested,” Chris explained.
He got tested in secret and miraculously the tests came back a match.
“Depending on the closeness of the match, anywhere from a one in 10,000 chance to a perfect match, which is a one in 100,000 chance. We’re near perfect,” Chris said.
Chris decided he didn’t need to keep the secret anymore because he could officially be Errin’s donor.
“Being a scientist I said ‘man, I’ve actually got data confirming this is the person I should marry.’ So about a week after the test results I went out and bought the engagement ring because I knew then and there, hey we’re a match,” Chris explained.
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The kidney surgery happened on Feb. 4, just days before Valentine’s Day. Chris’ incredible, life-saving gift didn’t go unnoticed. It went viral online and prompted Cosmopolitan Magazine to designate him as the “Most Romantic Man.”
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Almost nine months after the surgery, Chris and Errin are spreading the message about the importance of organ donation.
“We need to advocate. As a living donor and probably the most unlikely person to do it, I’m really passionate about getting people to sign up because I think if I can do it then anyone can do it,” Chris said.
According to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, around 3,500 people in the country are waiting for a kidney and around 80 will die waiting annually.
The couple is hoping their story will prompt a conversation and inspire more Canadian’s to act.
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