While most people are born with two kidneys, only one is needed to function. 

In 2013, Aaron Payne, a healthy athlete and father of three, learned that a rare condition caused both of his kidneys to stop working properly.

Rare kidney disease diagnosis

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) causes scarring that damages the kidney and affects about seven out of every million people each year, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Though there are different causes of FSGS, including genetics or another disease, Aaron said there was no clear cause for his diagnosis.

"The diagnosis was FSGS, and it is, there's no cause, there's no rhyme or reason for it, it's not genetic," he said.

Immediate impact and dialysis

Once diagnosed, there was an immediate impact, and Aaron was just days away from needing dialysis. Aaron and his wife Raquel said it was clear to doctors that he would need a transplant.

They were shocked, but as the demands of balancing their busy lives, careers, and young family set in, the couple decided to lean on their faith and push forward.

"[We decided to] turn it over, pray on it and know that God had his hand on it," Aaron said.

Living donor consideration

With more than 100,000 people across the U.S. on the transplant list for a life-saving donation, the wait for a spot on that list could be long.

They considered living donor donation, but as friends and family came forward to test, no one was a match.

Though the couple was concerned about the potential risks that could come with surgery, Raquel decided to test.

"[I said], you're not leaving me with these babies and checking out anytime soon, so I'm going to go get the test," she said, chuckling.

Successful kidney transplant

It can be unusual for a husband and wife to be a transplant match because several factors are required, including blood and tissue type, organ size, and general health. In this case, the couple learned they were compatible, and Aaron received the life-saving kidney donation from his wife.

"We were both shocked when they revealed how perfect of a match [Raquel] was [and] having the opportunity to get that living donor donation happen when it did was precisely on God's timing," Aaron said.

"So now we celebrate two anniversaries. We celebrate transplant day, which is September 18, and then we celebrate our marriage anniversary, which is October 18," added Raquel.

Raising awareness for donations

While living donor donations have increased across the country in recent years, with a consistent demand for organ donations, Aaron and Raquel hope to raise awareness about the benefits of living donor donations.

Living donor donations are less common in communities of color, though medical research shows Black and Hispanic candidates often account for a larger portion of the national kidney transplant list.

Aaron and Raquel hope their story encourages others to consider becoming living donors.

"We need to bring awareness and everyone needs to be cognizant of the fact that there are people out there, the kidney is one thing you can donate while you are still alive," said Raquel.

"No matter the scenario, God is in control," said Aaron.