May God continue to bless you both.
Alberta Ellis has never been a homebody.
"I like to travel," said the Hephzibah resident. "We used to go somewhere at least once a month. There were times we even traveled abroad."
However, Mrs. Ellis hasn't gone too far from home since January, when she began at-home dialysis treatment four times a day. Both of her kidneys failed after she experienced congestive heart failure.
"It didn't take me long to see how my life was changed," she said. "I couldn't do some of the things I used to. I thought to myself, 'I don't want to live like this.' "
When she shared her feelings with her son Eric, he immediately offered to donate one of his kidneys to her.
"She's always been there for me, so this was a chance for me to be there for her," he said. "I didn't give it a second thought."
Compatibility tests done earlier this year showed Mr. Ellis' kidney would be a match for his mother, and immediately they began preparing for the surgery, which is scheduled for Friday at the Medical College of Georgia Hospittal.
"We began doing a lot of research on kidney donations and about the surgery. We wanted to find out as much information as possible," Mr. Ellis said.
They also changed their diets and have relied on their faith to give them strength.
"It's because of our faith that I know that we will both come out of the surgeries OK," Mrs. Ellis said. "We are going to be just fine."
The two have always been close, and the donation is one more link tying them together, Mrs. Ellis said.
"I gave him life, and now he's giving it back to me," she said. "That's the best gift he could have ever given me."
Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.
Comments
May God continue to bless you both.
That is sooo touching...My Dad received a kidney in Dec. of last year..And he is doing fine. He was on dialysis for 3 1/2 years....unfortunally I was not a match ...God bless the two of you..and good luck..
Such a beautiful story
This also brings to mind the continuous need for organ donations. My driver's license shows that I would wish for any of my organs to be harvested in case of my death. For those of you that are still squeamish about that decision, you won't need them!
We will be praying for you and your family this Friday for God's hand to be on you both as well as the doctors and staff performing the surgery. It is nice to her heartwarming stories for a change. We wish you many more trips together.
Wishing you and your mother a speedy recovery, knowing that God holds everything in his hands. With our continuous FAITH in him, all things are possible. I will keep you both in my prayers, and to thank you both for sharing the upmost love, that you two have for one another with others. This is truly one of the most commendable, touching articles I've read in a while. Knowing that God is still performing miracles, and blessings on a daily base. Love you, and we have a prayer group going for you two. I know that everything is going to be just fine. God Bless You and your family.
Truly this is an example of Jesus Christ's model of love. I'm so very proud of the love you have shown towards your mother. It has motivated me to share my love with others in other ways as well. I will be praying for both of you and I know the God I serve will be with you both on Friday I will be before my Father on your behalf. God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than you ask or think! Thanks Eric for showing your love and helping to give life to your mother. How many of us can actually say we have done this? It should be more than just in words but in DEEDS! Take care and you both are in God's hands of protection and no weapon formed shall prosper! God bless you both.
My mother received a transplant when I was ten years old and now I will soon be 26. It's wonderful that you are able and willing to continue to give your mother life. You are in my prayers.
That is my Grandmother and Uncle. I don't know them to well, but I will keep you both in my prayers.
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