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This
is April's Story
April Ayala, a Miami-Dade Community College nursing student, and her family first faced FSGS in February 2001, when she was admitted to Miami Children’s Hospital with chronic kidney failure. April was put on dialysis when she was 14 years old.
“I grew up healthy, and out of nowhere, my kidneys failed on me,” said April. “Living with FSGS has been hard for me. The hardest part was accepting my illness and taking my medications.”
Following her diagnosis, April developed depression. Her family tried to understand, but it was difficult says April, who did not understand herself why she had the disease. However, April has found some positive in her diagnosis.
“When you are young dealing with an illness, it is important you take in the good things from all of it,” says April, in reference to her experiences. “I’m studying to be a nurse to help other people with their illnesses. I’m thankful I’m here sharing my story, thankful we have people trying to find a cure, thankful for dialysis and thankful I’m still here.”
FSGS is the same kidney condition that forced Miami Heat Center Alonzo Mourning, to have a kidney transplant in December 2003. He was able to return to the NBA and is currently one game away from winning the championship.
 On June 24th, 2006, April met with Mourning at a Publix in Miami, FL, where he handed out autographs and took photos with his fans as part of "Be a Pro with Zo" initiative.
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