Pennsylvania ? A couple who grew apart and had agreed to split were reunited by a life-threatening crisis.

After more than 10 years of marriage, Chip and Cindy Altemos agreed about five years ago to separate, see other people and begin divorce proceedings. But when 48-year-old Chip was hospitalized with kidney failure in September, Cindy, 49, offered him one of hers.

But Cindy, on the verge of being Chip’s ex-wife, said this week: “He was still my husband.”

The transplant was Feb. 21.

Chip Altemos said his wife’s gesture put an end to his new relationship and to talk of divorce. The two will be married 17 years in October.