BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — To what lengths would you go to save your spouse’s life?
Tracy Spraggins has suffered from Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disorder, since she was 6 years old. Doctors said the disease would eventually shut down her kidneys, but there was cause for optimism when her husband, PJ, found out he was a donor match and could give Tracy one his healthy kidneys. But between Tracy and her life-saving procedure stood a massive road block: the doctors told PJ his blood pressure was too high and would keep him from donating the vital organ to his wife.
“That was kind of a kick in the stomach,” PJ told Birmingham local Fox affiliate WBRC.
But PJ was determined to give his wife the kidney she so desperately needed. He committed to an exercise regimen, drastically changed his diet, and prayed with his wife that they would find a hospital willing to perform the transplant.
His hard work and dedication paid off in a huge way.
“Once he got to Vanderbilt and he got the same blood pressure monitor. His blood pressure readings were perfect,” Tracy said with a smile.
The hospital at Vanderbilt University was able to successfully complete the transplant, and the Scraggins returned home to Birmingham a few weeks later.
“The way my kidney function is now, it’s at 100 percent. And it’s at the best it’s ever been,” said Tracy.
PJ added that, “The whole experience has been amazing. I mean just the feeling you get knowing that I was able to help my wife have a better quality of life. That…that means a lot.”
The couple has been unable to work for the past two months as they’ve both recovered from the complex and invasive surgery. A crowdfunding campaign has been created help them cover the costs. You can contribute to the Scraggins’ fund by visiting their page at www.youcaring.com.
(H/T Fox 6 WBRC)
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— Elizabeth BeShears (@LizEBeesh) January 21, 2015
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