Local couple celebrates National Donor Day after successful kidney transplant

FAYETTE CO., Pa. — When a local man needed a new kidney, his wife ended up being the perfect match. And even though he said he didn’t want her to do it, she was determined to save his life.

Robin and Harry Broadwater were high school sweethearts and married at just 18 years old. Now, they live in Fayette County and have two daughters and three grandchildren.

However, their lives turned upside down when Harry’s health started to decline because of his diabetes. Doctors told him he needed a kidney transplant.

“When he found out he needed a kidney, it was unreal,” Robin said. “And (it) just devastates you.”

Robin didn’t think twice and immediately found out she was a match to donate her kidney. The surgery was delayed when Harry’s foot got infected, which resulted in three surgeries and an amputation.

And after eight months of dialysis, Harry got that new kidney on June 26 -- three days after their wedding anniversary.

“I don’t feel like doing jumping jacks just yet,” Harry said.

According to the Center for Organ Recovery and Education, this couple being a match was very uncommon.

“It’s pretty rare for a husband and wife to be a pair, to be an exact match for donation, so our story is pretty remarkable,” said Colleen Sullivan, the director for public affairs and donor family services. “A great testament for the love that the couple has for one another.”

Robin recovered from surgery in about four weeks and is back to work as a registered nurse, and Harry hopes to get back on the job next month as a tri-axle truck driver.

To be an organ donor, you can register on your Pa. driver’s license and with CORE. Read more about that here.

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