'Baby A.J.' back at home after successful kidney transplant

ATLANTA - He battled to get a new kidney and then battled through transplant surgery, but Friday, 2-year-old A.J. "Baby A.J." Burgess went home.

A.J. was released from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston after a successful 3-hour surgery on Nov. 22. Family Attorney Mawuli Davis released the following statement Friday:

"This family has fought hard and Baby AJ has fought even harder to see this day. The family thanks the community for supporting them and praying for their son. They would also like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Egelston Hospital for their commitment to helping Baby AJ with this life-saving transplant. They ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers as Baby AJ continues to recover."

Little A.J. was born without kidneys and had to undergo nightly dialysis to survive.

The child's surgery was originally delayed because of issues related to his father, Anthony D. Dickerson, being the donor, and concerns over him complying with necessary protocols.

Dickerson, 26, was approved to donate a kidney to his son, but had to provide "evidence of compliance from his parole officer for the next three months." The State Board of Pardons and Paroles website shows Dickerson has been on parole since December 2016 for fleeing or eluding police.

A kidney from a recently deceased donor was used.

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