In an extraordinary act of compassion that has mended a decade of hostility, a Texas woman has donated one of her kidneys to save the life of her ex-husband's girlfriend.
The incredible story of Amanda McCowen and Angela Maples demonstrates the profound power of forgiveness, transforming a relationship once defined by animosity into one of life-saving support.
A Decade of Discord
Amanda McCowen, 37, initially held deep animosity towards Angela Maples, the new partner of her ex-husband, Joshua Maples. For ten years, their relationship was characterised by tension and conflict, primarily stemming from custody disputes concerning McCowen's two older children.
'We had a very rocky start,' McCowen confessed to the Washington Post. 'I had formed the opinion in my brain when I first met her that I don't like her, I'm not going to share my two older children with her.'
The hostility was so intense that at one point, the two women could not bear to be in the same room together.
The Turning Point Towards Compassion
The dynamic began to shift significantly in 2020. After McCowen's two sons moved into their father's home, and following her own second divorce, she found herself unexpectedly turning to Maples for comfort and support.
'I was overwhelmed,' McCowen recalled. 'Angela just became my go-to person for things.'
This change prompted a shift in Maples' perspective as well, as she began to 'have much more compassion' for her former rival. The three adults made a conscious decision to release their long-held grudges, choosing forgiveness for the sake of their children.
A Life-Saving Act of Forgiveness
The relationship was tested in an unforeseen way in 2022. After a dream holiday to Hawaii, Maples fell seriously ill and exhausted. Medical professionals later diagnosed her with an autoimmune disease that was attacking her kidneys.
She subsequently went into renal failure and was placed on the organ transplant list, requiring fourteen hours of dialysis treatment daily as she waited for a suitable donor. After two potential kidney donors fell through, McCowen made the life-altering decision to be tested as a potential match.
'I'm not going to lie, I was hesitant,' McCowen admitted. 'But watching her do fourteen hours of dialysis a day for two-and-a-half years... if it gives her a fighting chance, any amount of pain or anything I go through is worth it.'
After applying to be a donor in June and undergoing tests in July, McCowen received the remarkable news in mid-August: she was a perfect match. The successful transplant surgery took place in October, stunning medical professionals.
Robyn Dye, a transplant programme administrator, confirmed the procedure's uniqueness, stating, 'To our knowledge, this is the first time we've had someone provide a kidney to the spouse of an ex.'
Joshua Maples, the ex-husband at the centre of this unique family dynamic, expressed being 'forever grateful' for McCowen's selfless act. 'They are two moms who have saved each other in many different ways,' he told reporters.
Maples' post-operative tests are now reportedly 'looking wonderful,' though she continues to receive regular infusions to prevent her body from attacking the new organ.
The family now enjoys regular dinners, game nights, and even family sleepovers at the Maples' home—a stark contrast to their previous decade of conflict.
Reflecting on their journey, Maples shared a powerful conclusion: 'There is power in forgiveness. Forgiveness literally saved my life.'
