Birmingham Sisters Triumph Over Adversity
In the heart of Birmingham, a touching family story unfolded recently that showcased the unbreakable bond between two sisters. After navigating through a whirlwind of health challenges and emotional hurdles, Amaris and Dominique Elston are living testaments to the power of love and determination.
A Gift of Life
It all began when Amaris Elston found herself waking up in a hospital room, just days after wrapping up her first semester in medical school. Amidst the haze of recovery, her energy surged as her younger sister, Dominique, entered the room, healthier and more vibrant than she had been in years. On that day, Amaris donated her kidney to save Dominique’s life, a selfless act that would provide her sister a fresh chance at chasing her dreams.
Overcoming Health Struggles
The road to recovery wasn’t an easy one. Back in 2016, a mere 18-year-old Dominique faced a health scare that would change the course of her entire life. Her journey took a turn for the worse when her blood pressure skyrocketed, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a condition that ravaged her kidneys and resulted in kidney failure.
Despite the challenges, Dominique remained determined to keep life as normal as possible, attending school while undergoing dialysis three times a week. “Dialysis drains you,” she shared candidly. “It got to the point where I had to stop everything else just to have the energy and strength to undergo treatment.”
A Sister’s Dedication
Amaris, who was pursuing her Master’s degree at UAB, felt compelled to act when she learned of her sister’s dire situation. After witnessing Dominique’s health decline and understanding the statistics surrounding kidney transplants—especially for the Black community, where wait times are historically longer—Amaris passionately sought to help.
“My first thought was ‘Why can’t I give her one of my kidneys?’” Amaris recounted. The odds of being a match seemed slim, given their family history with kidney issues, but Amaris was resolute. “I knew my sister’s life was in my hands,” she said, managing to juggle the demands of medical school alongside evaluations for the transplant.
A New Beginning
The sisters successfully underwent the transplant in December 2018, a life-altering experience that saw Dominique’s health instantly improve. With newfound energy, she re-enrolled at a local community college, finally able to pursue her passion for nursing—a decision that stemmed from her gratitude towards the healthcare professionals who had supported her throughout her ordeal.
Chasing Dreams Together
Fast forward to August 10, 2024, and Dominique proudly graduated with a nursing degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Decked out in green and gold at the ceremony, she spotted Amaris in the crowd, and the overwhelming sense of achievement was palpable. It was a moment that symbolized not just a personal victory for Dominique, but a shared journey built on strength, resilience, and a deep familial bond.
New Beginnings in Healthcare
Today, both sisters are carving out their places in the healthcare field. Amaris is currently a neurology resident, while Dominique has started her career as a neurology intensive care unit nurse at UAB Hospital. They hope to honor their grandmother, who passed due to dementia-related complications, by helping patients through their challenges.
Lessons Learned
Reflecting on their journey, Dominique expressed gratitude: “I did not think I would ever get to this point, a college graduate and a nurse. It wasn’t an easy journey, and there were times when I lost hope. I’m thankful for my family, friends, and mentors who encouraged me to keep pushing forward.”
This remarkable story of sisterly love and determination not only highlights the importance of family but also serves as a beacon of hope for anyone facing tough times. With their heads held high, Amaris and Dominique Elston are ready to change lives themselves, using their experiences to inspire those around them.
