Husband donates kidney to wife of 51 years after learning he’s a perfect match

AUSTIN, Texas - A Texas husband took the wedding vow “in sickness and in health” to heart when he donated his kidney to his wife of 51 years.

Mike and Peggy Nipper underwent the successful transplant at the Kidney Transplant Center at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center just before the holidays.

Peggy was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease years ago, a disorder in which clusters of cysts develop in the kidneys — causing the organs to enlarge and can lead to kidney failure. Peggy previously lost her mother to same disease, WTHR-TV reported.

Mike Nipper (left) donated his kidney to his high school sweetheart and wife of 51 years, Peggy Nipper (right). (Photo credit: Provided / St. David’s North Austin Medical Center)

This year, her kidney function was declining and she faced dialysis or having a transplant.

The average wait time for a kidney transplant is three to five years, but can be even longer in some parts of the country, according to the National Kidney Foundation. A donor must match your blood and tissue type.

Mike ended up being a perfect match for his high school sweetheart, which he called “a huge miracle surprise.”

"I tell people she gave me her heart 50 years ago, so I will give her my kidney for the remainder," Mike told WTHR-TV.

"I'm going to count it as a Christmas present and maybe the next birthday present too," he joked.

"You can count it as many as you want," Peggy said. "This is the best. This one keeps on giving."

This story was reported from Cincinnati.