‘A selfless act ... and a beautiful testimony for me’

The surgery was done Feb. 5 at Vanderbilt. Alex was able to make the trip from Atlanta following a game the previous night. Regina’s parents made it just in time to see her wheeled off to the operating room.

“For my sister to do that, it means the world to my family,” Alex said. “It shows how much love we have for each other.”

The surgery was an immediate success. The kidney functioned immediately with excellent results.

“Alexis has been a blessing,” Regina said. “What a beautiful gift. I don’t think too many children can say they gave their mother life. It was a selfless act from her and a beautiful testimony for me. I’m so thankful to her.”

Both Regina and Alexis are recovering well. The family made a recent trip to Atlanta to visit Alex, who needs some assistance of his own after suffering an ankle injury that has him in a walking boot and on crutches. The 25-year-old Alexis said the surgery was easier than an ACL reconstruction and a Cesarean section she had for the birth of her daughter.

Alexis says she is proud of herself and proud of her mother for staying so motivated following surgery.

Life has changed for the Poythress family in ways once unimagined.

“My quality of life is so different now,” Regina said. “My kidney diagnosis has been quite a journey with ups and downs. I celebrate all of my journeys in my life, whether they are good or bad. It’s just one step of the journey of my life. I’ve never tried to complain. God’s grace has carried me through all of this.”