Together for 50 years, couple celebrates recovery after facing surgeries side by side Valentine's Day has always had a special meaning for Tereza Maria dos Santos Leite, 70 years old, and Antônio Fernando Leite, 73. In addition to celebrating love, the two also celebrate his birthday, born on June 12th. This year, however, the date gained an extra reason to be remembered. 📲 Follow g1 Sul de Minas on Instagram Residents of Itajubá (MG), the two recently faced another challenge side by side. On May 14, they underwent surgery at the Santa Paula Hospital and Maternity Hospital, in Pouso Alegre (MG), were hospitalized in the same room and also shared the recovery period. "After I met Fernando, this date gained even more meaning, because in addition to Valentine's Day, it is also his birthday. We have celebrated together for over 50 years", says Tereza. Fernando says that tradition has never been left aside. "Every year she makes a heart-shaped cake to celebrate my birthday," he remembers. Couple who celebrated 50 years of marriage underwent surgery on the same day and recovered together in a hospital in Pouso Alegre (MG) Personal file Married since 1975, they dated for less than a year before their wedding. The story began in 1974, during an election. Tereza knew Fernando's brother and the two ended up meeting when they went to vote. That day's conversation began a relationship that spanned decades and that, even in the most delicate moments, continues to be marked by partnership. This time, they transformed a health challenge into yet another demonstration of the complicity built over more than five decades. According to his daughter, Daniela Leite, Fernando underwent microsurgery to treat a narrow canal and herniated disc, with lumbar arthrodesis. Tereza underwent a percutaneous radiofrequency rhizotomy of the trigeminal nerve, a procedure performed to relieve intense pain caused by neuralgia. "In a moment of illness, it was one of the best moments of our lives. We were afraid, of course, but being together all the time gave us strength and tranquility to face everything", summarized Fernando. "It was emotional being together even at that moment. Knowing that he was there, going through everything with me, brought me more calm and courage", added Tereza. More than 50 years of partnership ❤️ The couple dated for a short time and soon got married, on June 27, 1975, at the Igreja Matriz da Soledade, in Itajubá. Last year, he returned to the same altar to celebrate his golden wedding anniversary and renew his vows in front of his family. Tereza and Fernando Leite were hospitalized together in Pouso Alegre (MG) Personal file Over 50 years, they built a story surrounded by children, grandchildren and many memories. The partnership that began when we were still young remained present in happy moments and also in the most difficult ones. According to the family, their complicity is seen in simple everyday situations and became even more evident during the hospitalization period. A challenge faced together 🏥 The family was already monitoring their health problems and knew that the procedures would take place in the near future. Still, the confirmation that they would take place on the same day caused apprehension. “When they asked us if it could be on the same day, I confess we were a little scared,” said Daniela. “We were apprehensive, of course, but also calmer because we were together”, recalled Fernando. According to neurosurgeon Marcelo Massote de Toledo, the situation is unusual. The surgeries were performed in sequence: Fernando's first, while Tereza waited for the procedure. "These are rare situations in medical practice, which naturally generates surprise among the team. But everything happened safely, following planning", he stated. Couple who celebrated 50 years of marriage underwent surgery on the same day and recovered together in a hospital in Pouso Alegre (MG) Personal file “It was a mix of sensations. The concern for my father during surgery and, at the same time, the care for my mother who was still waiting. The anguish only ended when we arrived home with both of us well and with our health problems resolved”, recalled Daniela. According to the specialist, one of the procedures was more complex, which determined the order of surgeries. He explained that, in most cases, couples tend to choose different dates, as one usually offers support to the other during recovery. In this case, as both would recover relatively quickly and had family support, it was possible to carry out the procedures on the same day. “The most important thing was knowing that we were there for each other,” said Tereza. Not even the bed rails separated the two 👀 Since arriving at the hospital, the two remained in the same room and were only separated during the surgeries. The situation caught the attention of the medical team and professionals at the unit, who were surprised to discover that the patients were husband and wife. “It was funny. He was being funny and she was fighting,” said Daniela, laughing. “We try to take everything lightly, even in difficult times,” said Fernando. After golden wedding, couple faces surgeries side by side in the South of Minas Personal file During recovery, one detail caught the family’s attention. They both didn't like it when the bed rails were raised and prevented them from seeing each other easily. “We didn’t want to be separated. Knowing that he was there by my side made me feel calmer”, said Tereza. Back home 🏡 Currently, the couple is recovering at home, in Itajubá, surrounded by the love of their family. To accompany her parents, Daniela reorganized the schedule at the beauty salon where she works. Her daughter also helped with care during the first few days after discharge. Other relatives took over household chores and taking care of the family's dogs. Tereza and Fernando alongside their family, who closely followed the couple's hospitalization and recovery period Personal file For Daniela, the experience further strengthened the bonds built over decades. “They have already been through a lot of difficulties, but they are still together, loving and respecting each other,” he said. According to psychologist Camila Thaynara dos Santos, bonds built over many years can make a difference in delicate moments in life. “Affective and family support contributes to more security and tranquility, especially in old age”, he explained. After golden wedding, couple faces surgeries side by side in the South of Minas Personal file Even faced with the fear of surgery, Tereza and Fernando found strength in the partnership built over more than half a century. This Valentine's Day, when they also celebrate his birthday, the date takes on a special meaning. “Each other’s support helped a lot. We were always together. I just wanted to leave with her”, said Fernando. And that's exactly how it happened. See more news from the region on g1 Sul de Minas