Two-Year-Old, Who Was Denied Kidney Transplant Over Father’s Arrest, Has ‘Successful’ Transplant Surgery With Kidney From New Donor

Last month, a heartbreaking story made national news after a young boy was denied a potentially life-saving kidney transplant because of his father’s transgressions. At the time, A.J. Burgess, who was born without functioning kidneys, was all set to have his life-changing surgery, as his father, who was a perfect match, prepared to provide his son with a second chance. However, after Anthony Dickerson violated the terms of his probation, Emory University Hospital refused to go through with A.J.’s transplant until they had written proof that Dickerson had been compiling with the terms for the next three months.

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However, the family believed A.J. would not be able to wait that long and it was unfair that their son had to suffer because of his father’s mistakes. Their story touched hearts across the nation, as many gathered to demand justice for A.J. As a result, the hospital opened the lines of communication with the family to have an open and honest discussion about how they could help A.J. Just weeks later, the family was blessed with a Thanksgiving miracle.

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On Tuesday evening, A.J.’s parents received a call from the facility that a kidney from a donor had just become available and doctors believed it would be in A.J.’s best interest if he received the transplant. The following morning, the toddler, who turns three in January, had a successful surgery.

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Although the family will have to stay in the hospital for another week, they are “excited about giving thanks for [A.J.’s] new kidney.”