OFW in Abu Dhabi saves uncle’s life by donating one of her kidneys

A 24-year-old overseas Filipina worker (OFW) in Abu Dhabi donated one of her kidneys to his uncle, giving him a second chance at life in the process.

Arlene Maskarino said she did not think twice about giving one of her kidneys to her uncle Lito Gerodias, who was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in 2016.

“He is not just my uncle, he is also like a father to me and my best friend. We all lived in one house together and every time, I saw him suffering, I felt my heart aching,” Khaleej Times quoted Maskarino as saying.

For her, she would rather lose one of her kidneys than lose her uncle who has been like a father to her.

“When the doctors told us that my uncle needed a Blood Type O donor, I immediately knew that I just had to do it,” said Maskarino.

“My uncle was so happy and excited to have a second chance to live.”

“I didn’t really feel scared, because I love my uncle and care about him. If you really love and care about someone, then everything will be worth it; the pain will be worth it,” Maskarino added.

Meanwhile, Gerodias took to Instagram to thank her niece for giving him another opportunity to experience life.

“Shoutout to this brave young lady for having the courage to commit to such an awesome act of kindness and never once hesitated to go forward with it. Indeed a generousity beyond measure. Thank you for giving me more years to live, more chance at life. I must have done something really amazing to deserve all these,” his post read.

Shoutout to this brave young lady for having the courage to commit to such an awesome act of kindness and never once hesitated to go forward with it. Indeed a generousity beyond measure. Thank you for giving me more years to live, more chance at life. I must have done something really amazing to deserve all these. To my family who have been my prayer warriors. Friends who had been immensely supportive – Thank you! You’ve been with me during this whole ordeal, for being with me to countless hospital trips, for giving me constant reminder of the diet I should stick to, for depriving me of a teaspoon of peanut butter, for not giving me that bottle of beer – Thank you! All your prayers and well wishes were heard. And of course, to You, I may not pray that much and I don’t pray that well, but still, you continue to bless me. Let this second life be spent towards being a blessing to others. Thank you Lord! #feelingblessed

A post shared by Tolits Gerodias (@litswander) on Apr 10, 2018 at 5:41am PDT

Gerodias is expected to be discharged over the weekend.

At first, Gerodias admitted that he initially feared for the impact of the surgery to Arlene.

“I was concerned because she was so young. I was afraid it might have an impact on her chances to conceive in the future, but the doctor assured us that everything would be fine,” Gerodias said.

“I am very thankful to Arlene, for giving a part of her to me.”

“I still remember the time when we were having the meeting with the doctor who asked Arlene why she wants to give her kidney to me, and she simply said:

“There is no reason, he is my uncle and I love him, so I’m giving him a part of me.”