SEATTLE -- Tim O'Brien and Cory Mackie have had to overcome a few obstacles in their walk together as husband and wife, but none quite as daunting as the news that came with word of Tim's life threatening kidney disease.
"I had this disease and it was going to limit my possibilities," said Tim. "Ultimately, it would probably kill me."
At just 47-years-old, Tim needed a kidney transplant. The wait would be three years, but fortunately he only had to look as far as the woman who promised to be by his side no matter what.
"There are people a lot more selfless than me who are donating kidneys to folks they don't even know," said Cory. "I was able to donate one to the person who matters most to me."
The couple has always been very active together, avid lovers of the outdoors and committed climbers. The two were even married at Altavista on Mount Rainier, with Cory wearing a veil, to compliment her blue nylon gaiters. They celebrate their 10th anniversary next week.
Cory never made it to the top of the mountain that day, so they tried again this week. This time Cory hit 11,000 feet before weather forced her to turn back. But thanks to the transplant, part of her made it to the top with her husband on Tuesday, just five months after his life changing surgery.
"It's an incredible, magnificent gift," he said, squeezing his wife's hand.
That was Tim's 99th time topping Rainier and, thanks to Cory, it won't be his last. He plans to go for number 100 soon. With Cory's commitment in both body and soul, they say no challenge is too tough to take.
"I have my husband back," she said. "That's all that matters."
The ascent was part of Swedish Hospital's third annual "Organ Transplant Awareness Climb" -- calling attention to the importance of registering as an organ donor. About 111,000 people are awaiting transplants in this country. One single donor can benefit more than 50 people.
More information visit www.lcnw.org
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