by Lucy Bustamante
WVEC.com
Posted on December 6, 2011 at 6:26 PM
Updated Tuesday, Dec 6 at 6:42 PM
NORFOLK – A local couple has just undergone surgery after signing up for a kidney swap.
Collin and Jacki Bruce are recovering at Sentara Norfolk General. The kidney swap program at the hospital is a registry where people who need kidneys can get on the list but only if they join with someone who is healthy enough to donate a kidney to a stranger, in their name.
Collin and Jacki’s kidneys were not compatible with each other, and because Jacki needed one, Collin decided to donate his so his wife would benefit.
This means Jacki only had to wait a year rather than possibly six. The surgeries were within hours of each other.
"They try and arrange it as close as possible. It would be very difficult for him to have given up his without she getting hers close in time," explained Betty Crandall who runs the registry at Sentara.
Crandall says it’s the greatest gift anyone can give a loved one and it makes her love her job.
"It’s incredibly touching. It makes you glad that you’re involved in this part of healthcare," Crandall said.
13News will interview the Bruces on Thursday after they’ve had a little time to recover.