Wife gives husband liver and life

By News Channel 8's Chris Velardi
Posted September 5, 2008
Updated 9:35 PM

Clinton (WTNH) -- Over the course of a marriage, a husband and wife may give each other hundreds of gifts. But none are as precious as the gift of life.

You can't blame Ken Bowen for finding joy in the little things these days like a cup of coffee. This past spring, he wasn't sure how many cups of coffee he had left.

"I knew I only had about a month to live," Bowen said. "That's what I was told. That's what I felt."

Bowen's liver was failing. He was on the waiting list, hoping for a donor. But, time was running out.
 
That's when his wife Beverly decided to take matters into her own hands. She underwent two full days of tests -- and found out her liver was a perfect match.
 
"I think I said to him in the beginning that I was investigating it," Beverly said. "And, he said, 'Oh no, I can't take your liver.' And I said, 'I've thought long and hard about this,' which I hadn't really -- I had thought a little bit."

She says giving part of her liver to her husband was a no brainer.

Doctors at Yale-New Haven Hospital did the transplant in late July, just a few weeks before the Bowen's 24th Anniversary.

The Bowens say they're indebted to the transplant team at Yale and the Clinton community for its support.

The family set up a website where they posted updates on their recovery. Their home is full of cards from family, friends and total strangers.

"People I don't know who either give us a donation or drop food off or I walk down the street and they recognize me," Ken said. "I don't recognize them, and we have a little conversation."

Now, the Bowens are becoming living proof advocates for organ donation.

They plan to attend an event to raise awareness, Saturday, on the New Haven Green.

And they plan to enjoy the rest of their lives together, they've survived the sickness. They're looking forward to the health. 

"See these crows feet here, see that smile?" Beverly asked. "It's just, it's so good to have him back...it's been a long haul."