RICHMOND —
After 17 years of marriage Joan Beck and Norbert “Nubs” Wagner can say they’re a perfect match, but not just in companionship.
Wagner was diagnosed with fibronectin glomerulopathy, a rare genetic form of kidney disease, in 2010. Beck offered to donate one of her kidneys to him.
“It’s an easy choice for me to make his life so much better,” she said.
This Thursday, Help Hope Live, a tax-exempt organization, will be sponsoring a benefit, Pickin’ on the Porch with a Purpose, for the couple at the St. Thomas Lutheran Church from 7 to 9 p.m. The church is at 1285 Barnes Mill Road.
The White Station Singers will play music, and food will be provided by the Nifty Kneedlers. Entry is free, but the organization is asking for donations.
Beck, 53, said money raised will help offset the costs of the transplant surgeries. She said they anticipate spending an estimated $10,000 on expenses such as doctor’s visits and anti-rejection drugs the year after the surgery.
Help Hope Live sets up individual funds for folks who are in similar situations as the couple. Health-care providers then bill the charity for the services, the Waco resident said.
“It allows people who are inclined to help to be able to afford it,” Beck said.
The pair expects to hear back from the University of Cincinnati Hospital later this week about scheduling the surgery.
When Wagner, 65, was originally diagnosed two years ago, doctors predicted he wouldn’t have to start dialysis for another 10 years. However, the disease progressed rapidly.
“As soon as there was a possibility of a transplant,” Beck said, “I was ready to volunteer.”
To determine if Beck was a good, healthy match for her husband, she underwent extensive screening which included blood work and an EKG. The test results confirmed Beck had the same blood type and enough of the same genetic markers as Wagner to be his donor.
Her husband was overwhelmed by the good news.
“He certainly recognizes this is an incredible gift, that we will have more time together,” she said.
What the couple is most excited about is being able to dance together again. In fact, their first date was a dance lesson, “and we’ve been dancing ever since,” Beck said.
“We’re looking forward to kicking up our heels again,” she said.
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