Nationwide — Nija Butler and her daughter, Ambrealle, who are from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, have recently graduated from nursing school together after both underwent life-saving kidney transplants. Their journey brought them closer as they faced kidney disease and recovery side by side.Nija and Ambrealle have always shared a special bond, with Nija raising her daughter like a sister after having her at a young age. But everything changed when Ambrealle, in her late 20s, was diagnosed with FSGS, a rare kidney disease that led to kidney failure. Doctors told her she either needed dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive.
For five years, Ambrealle spent up to 13 hours a day on dialysis. Nija remained by her side throughout it all, offering emotional support and comforting her during tough moments. Still, Nija felt helpless watching her daughter struggle.
“Watching her go through that and experience that, sometimes I would get into bed with her while she was on dialysis because that’s all I could do,” Nija told WAFB.
Determined to help, Nija secretly got tested as a potential kidney donor, even though doctors said it was unlikely she’d be a match. To her surprise, Tulane Medical Center called a few days later with great news — Nija was a perfect match.
After both surgeries, Nija and Ambrealle began their recovery. Nija said she felt relieved when she finally saw her daughter after the transplant, knowing the kidney was working well. Ambrealle expressed her gratitude, saying, “She gave birth to me, and she gave me a second chance at life, so she gave me life twice.”
With her second chance at life, Ambrealle decided to pursue her dream of becoming a registered nurse. Nija joined her in applying to nursing school, and though only Ambrealle was initially accepted, the night before classes began, they received a call — Ambrealle could start the next day.
Together, they began their 16-month nursing program at the Baton Rouge General School of Nursing. They supported each other through long hours of studying, tests, and labs. Ambrealle, who had experienced kidney disease firsthand, said her personal journey would help her connect with future patients.
Now, both mother and daughter look forward to their future in nursing. They hope to start a business that will support other kidney patients and their families.