Kidney donor Norah Aguilar and her adoptive mother, Alma -- the recipient

Alma Aguilar and her husband adopted their niece 20 years ago to give her a good shot at a good life. They knew the little girl, Norah, would change their lives, too. But they had no idea that one day she would give back to them in such a remarkable and generous way.

Alma suffered with diabetes and high blood pressure for decades. In August 2008, her kidneys began failing.

"I was always very tired and anemic," she says. "I needed blood transfusions and kidney dialysis."

Her doctors talked with her about the possibility of a live donor kidney transplant. Her husband, many family members and close friends volunteered to be tested for compatibility. She thought her adopted daughter was too young, however, to act as a donor.

"I didn't want Norah to be the one to have to sacrifice her kidney for me," she says. "I said I'd rather have dialysis for the rest of my life."

"I got tested on my own," Norah says. "The way she gave me life, I was going to do the same and give her a second chance at life."

Surprisingly, Norah was a perfect match, and the two women had their surgeries in September 2008 at the South Texas Transplant Center at McAllen Medical Center.

"I feel wonderful," Alma says. "I'm more energetic and can do things I had to give up because of my illness. Norah was always a special child to us. Now she's a hero in our eyes."

"I thank the Lord for giving me loving parents and the courage and chance to do this for my mom," Norah says. "She means everything to me."

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