A Bridgeport woman is asking for the public's help to save her husband who is in need of a kidney.

Edna and Gilbert Villanueva, who were born in Bridgeport, have been married for 38 years.

Their life took an unexpected turn in 2011 when Gilbert began battling kidney disease, then eventually started dialysis.

"It does take a lot out of you,” he says. “I do get depressed because I can't do much."

Doctors at the Yale Transplant Center and Hartford Hospital say he must now have a new kidney in order to survive.

"I would like the public to try to help me because I've been a good father, a good grandfather…and I want to last a little longer," says Gilbert.

The couple says when their 3-month-old grandson died tragically in 2007, his heart went to save another little boy.

Anyone interested in helping the family can call 203-243-0999.