Oklahoma Woman Gives Fiance The Ultimate Christmas Gift

By Dan Bewley, The News On 6

JENKS, OK -- A Jenks man has his fiancee to thank for an extra special Christmas gift; the gift of life.

The couple hopes their story inspires others to give the gift of love.

Lacie Bradshaw and Juan Perez have known each other all their lives and often joke they're the perfect couple.

"I like our relationship, we have a good relationship so it just further solidifies that we are supposed to be together," Lacie said.

Now that perfect match has taken on a new meaning. Juan's kidneys began to fail several years ago, he spent 37 months on dialysis waiting for a transplant.

"I was upset because you feel bad knowing that most likely someone is going to have to pass away before you'll be able to have that organ that you'll need," Juan said.

Tired of watching Juan struggle through dialysis, Lacie had herself tested. She was a perfect match and took no time to decide to give Juan one of her kidneys.

"Love, I mean, in a simple answer it's love," Lacie said.

Two nights before the surgery, Juan proposed.  Now, ten months later the couple is doing fine, no complications, just an amazing story.

"It's great, I feel so lucky to have somebody that would do that," Juan said.

752 Oklahomans are on the transplant waiting list more than half are in need of a kidney. Juan and Lacie hope their experience causes others think about giving the ultimate gift.

"You have to make the decision for yourself whether you're living and you want to donate an organ, while you're still alive but after you leave you don't need them anymore, give them to somebody who does," Juan said.

Christmas 2009 will have special meaning for Juan and Lacie, a celebration of love, a celebration of life and a celebration of giving.

Juan and Lacie's story is getting national attention as well, the couple is representing Donate Life America on New Year's Day and will be the guest of honor on its float during the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California.