A pair of partners from the north, who have shared their lives for ten years, were delighted to discover they were ideal donors for each other’s kidneys.
Crystal Morin-Marunuk and her spouse Darwin Morin have shared their lives for a decade now. From the start, they’ve faced numerous challenges due to Darwin’s health issues.
“When our relationship began, he was already experiencing some impacts of kidney disease since his kidneys were beginning to deteriorate,” said Crystal.
Darwin, who has had Type 1 diabetes since childhood, required a kidney transplant.
“I observed significant decline in various aspects, including his strength, mobility, and frequent headaches,” said Crystal.
While they awaited a compatible donor for several years, she saw him growing increasingly ill.
“I began considering, ‘It’s essential for us to check if there’s any family member who could potentially be compatible.’ Afterward, I realized, ‘I believe I should get tested too,’” Crystal mentioned.
She mentioned that she was aware the likelihood of her being a match wasn’t high, but they were in dire straits.
“I couldn’t go through another day with that small doubt lingering at the back of my thoughts,” Crystal recalls contemplating. “What if, just what if, there’s even a possibility that we might be compatible?”
They conducted a crossmatch test, which assesses if two individuals are suitable for organ donation.
Following several weeks of anticipation for the results, they got the most significant piece of information of their existence. They matched.
They simply asked, “Do you recognize this individual? Are they family?” And I responded, “No, this isn’t… this is my partner, my fiancé.”
She mentioned that she could hear nurses in the background encouraging them.
She stated, “Tears welled up as I shared all these pieces of information with nowhere to confide. It turned out to be quite the emotional ride.”
Once her fiancé arrived home, they celebrated the news. She mentioned he couldn’t believe it.
I mentioned, ‘There’s something I need to share with you.’ He responded, ‘We’re just not compatible.’ I countered, ‘Actually, we are a good fit.’ But he insisted, ‘Please don’t deceive yourself.’
She mentioned that discussing it continues to bring tears to her eyes.
Starting from there, the pair got ready for the transplantation process. Everything proceeded without complications, spanning from recuperation all the way through to tying the knot. The duo will be commemorating their first year of marriage this coming July.
Healthcare transport services for people living in the north
Following Darwin’s successful transplantation, the couple has started a medical transport business aimed at shuttling other northerners from La Ronge to Saskatoon for kidney dialysis treatments or various medical appointments.
“Up north, there isn’t access to a dialysis unit,” Crystal mentioned.
As per the information available on the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) website, approximately 50 to 60 individuals in Saskatchewan are presently awaiting a kidney transplant.
According to the SHA, the typical waiting period for a kidney is around 2.8 years, during which each individual requires approximately 437 dialysis sessions on average.
The duration a patient might have to wait for an organ transplant can vary based on numerous factors including their overall health, how long they’ve been away from home, blood type compatibility, and whether they’re sensitized, according to the SHA.
Crystal mentioned that they have four regular customers with appointments three days each week.
The journey from La Ronge to Saskatoon takes approximately four hours and often involves several breaks en route. Additionally, the dialysis sessions can last around four more hours. This totals up to 12 to 13 hours away from home.
Crystal mentioned that it’s difficult for the patients, yet it remains their sole choice.
She mentioned that Darwin and she have grown so close to these individuals that they now feel like integral members of their family.
They accompany us frequently enough that we genuinely share their experiences and listen to what they endure.
She mentioned that it can be extremely challenging at times, since they’ve lost some individuals they transported—people whom they grew close to and even consider friends—who unfortunately didn’t get the chance to receive a kidney transplant.
She mentioned, ‘We intend to continue doing this for an extended period.’ She explained that the task is extremely demanding, particularly due to all the driving involved. However, as long as a dialysis center isn’t established in the northern region, this remains the sole available choice for those people at present.’
