Angele Ashley

As a dialysis nurse for more than 10 years and a renal transplant coordinator, Angele had no idea how her career would come full circle. On September 11, 2006 her mother, age 50, was hospitalized with pneumonia. After a long rehabilitation, her mother was able to enjoy religious services with her family on Easter Sunday in 2007. During the service celebration her mother collapsed and never regained consciousness. “My mom was such a giving person,” says Angele. “Even when she didn’t have much, she would still find a way to give to others. Though it was a difficult time for me, I took comfort in knowing my mother was helping so many people.” Angele has always worked closely with patients who suffered from kidney failure, so there was never a doubt about organ donation. “After my experience, I found a new sense of purpose while working in the transplant field”. “The Gift of Life is so powerful and yet precious,” says Angele. “It is undeniably the epitome of love. I can now say that I know what it is like to be on both sides of the fence. However, my mom is the true hero who made this possible.” Angele is currently pursuing her Nurse Practitioner degree and remains an advocate on behalf of the Midwest Transplant Network.