Jennifer Hill-Gowans. Her husband Kennus Gowans donated a kidney to Jennifer this September.
Courtesy of Jennifer Hill-Gowans
Professional matchmaker Jennifer Hill-Gowans and her husband Kennus opened a new chapter in their love story earlier this month as Jennifer received the gift of health from her husband Kennus when he gave her a kidney.
The couple has been married for 26 years and have been navigating Jennifer’s kidney disease diagnosis since 2020. Earlier this year, after being tested for a second time, doctors told the couple Kennus would be a perfect living donor match.
On the morning of Sept. 4, Jennifer and Kennus arrived at Baylor Scott and White Dallas excited, but anxious about their surgeries. The couple was joined by their family, friends and supporters as they prepared for their big day.
The Star-Telegram’s media partner WFAA was there to document the couple’s transplant day.
‘The feelings of joy just overwhelm me’
Kennus said after the surgery he was happy that he was able to make this sacrifice for Jennifer.
“I’m already a highly emotional sensitive guy, but this, I think the feelings of joy just overwhelm me,” Kennus said. “I’ve just got to do this great thing for my spouse.”
The process was not without some snags. Kennus stopped breathing during the surgery and had to be intubated, and he had a lot of nerve pain during recovery that is just now subsiding after 20 days.
Kennus recounted that as the nurse was explaining the complications he had with his breathing, he was coughing up blood, and it was at that moment that his adult son Torrey walked in and immediately became emotional thinking something was seriously wrong with his father.
“Torrey said he was really glad he is able to witness our journey, and it’s just amazing to watch, first of all the love we have for each other, to where his dad was able to do this for me,” Jennifer said.
She said their son is glad to have both of them well, and he plans on becoming a health accountability partner for them to make sure they keep their kidneys healthy.
The couple said that leaning into their faith and support system has really made the difference in how they navigated this time in their relationship.
Kennus said despite the unknowns or any anxiety or stress he felt, he knew what it was all for at the end of the day.
“I think the reality that I’ve told people over the last few weeks and over the last few months is that when you’ve seen your spouse be as sick as I’ve seen her be, when you’ve seen her almost pass away because she went into a diabetic coma, the reality hits you,” Kennus said. “If you can be a contributing factor to assist or aid, lock in, let’s get this done, so that’s where my mental switch hit a higher altitude.”
Along with family members who helped with meal trains and keeping their spirits high, several organizations also jumped in to support the couple with pre- and post-surgery expenses, including the National Living Donor Assistance Center, the American Living Organ Donor Fund and the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.
Jennifer said along with recovery comes a level of trauma of having experienced poor health all these years, and watching her husband’s painful recovery and feeling guilty for how Kennus felt.
Both Jennifer and Kennus have joined post-transplant support groups to help them navigate and build community with people who have experienced the same thing.
One thing that helped her was getting rid of her dialysis treatment corner in her room by donating her supplies and redecorating the area with the help of her mother.
“I was able to kind of reflect on these past three-and-a-half years and what I had to do, and just pride myself in the resilience that people have that have to go through this process,” Jennifer said.
Jennifer had to take a step back from her career and face the new reality of what she could do daily. But now that the couple is on the road to recovery, they are planning on writing a book about their experience and relationship.
Jennifer is still an American Kidney Fund Ambassador, and hopes that her and Kennus’ story helps other couples who are navigating kidney diseases.
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Fousia Abdullahi is a Fort Worth Star-Telegram news reporter who covers suburban cities including Southlake, Colleyville, Grapevine and Keller. She enjoys reading and attending local events. Send tips by email or phone.