Black Mom and Daughter, Both Kidney Transplant Survivors, Graduate Together From Nursing School

Nationwide — Nija Butler and her daughter, Ambrealle, who’re from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, have not too long ago graduated from nursing faculty collectively after each underwent life-saving kidney transplants. Their journey introduced them nearer as they confronted kidney illness and restoration aspect by aspect.

Nija and Ambrealle have all the time shared a particular bond, with Nija elevating her daughter like a sister after having her at a younger age. However every thing modified when Ambrealle, in her late 20s, was recognized with FSGS, a uncommon kidney illness that led to kidney failure. Medical doctors instructed her she both wanted dialysis or a kidney transplant to outlive.

For 5 years, Ambrealle spent as much as 13 hours a day on dialysis. Nija remained by her aspect all through all of it, providing emotional assist and comforting her throughout robust moments. Nonetheless, Nija felt helpless watching her daughter battle.

“Watching her undergo that and expertise that, generally I might get into mattress along with her whereas she was on dialysis as a result of that’s all I may do,” Nija instructed WAFB.

Decided to assist, Nija secretly received examined as a possible kidney donor, despite the fact that medical doctors stated it was unlikely she’d be a match. To her shock, Tulane Medical Heart known as a couple of days later with nice information — Nija was an ideal match.

After each surgical procedures, Nija and Ambrealle started their restoration. Nija stated she felt relieved when she lastly noticed her daughter after the transplant, understanding the kidney was working effectively. Ambrealle expressed her gratitude, saying, “She gave start to me, and she or he gave me a second likelihood at life, so she gave me life twice.”

Together with her second likelihood at life, Ambrealle determined to pursue her dream of changing into a registered nurse. Nija joined her in making use of to nursing faculty, and although solely Ambrealle was initially accepted, the night time earlier than courses started, they obtained a name — Ambrealle may begin the following day.

Collectively, they started their 16-month nursing program on the Baton Rouge Basic Faculty of Nursing. They supported one another by way of lengthy hours of finding out, checks, and labs. Ambrealle, who had skilled kidney illness firsthand, stated her private journey would assist her join with future sufferers.

Now, each mom and daughter stay up for their future in nursing. They hope to begin a enterprise that can assist different kidney sufferers and their households.