BALTIMORE, Md. - A local woman has given another woman the gift of life through a kidney transplant. Surgery took place Monday at Johns Hopkins Hospital and both women are out of surgery and doing well.

The families of Etienne Cromer and Kendra Dill had a long day of waiting at the hospital but it's a day they'll never forget.

Etienne Cromer has suffered from kidney disease since the age of 16. Her condition progressed after giving birth, and she required a kidney transplant.

Her family members were physically unable to donate their kidneys, but Kendra, her childhood babysitter, got tested and was deemed a great match.

Monday, Johns Hopkins surgeons transplanted one of Kendra's kidneys to Etienne.

Dr. Robert Montgomery, Chief of Transplant Services at Johns Hopkins Hospital, said, "People who receive a kidney transplant live, on average, twice as long as someone who stays on dialysis. So, really life saving to receive the gift of life."

Kendra's brother, Michael, was diagnosed with kidney disease five years ago but before she could donate her kidney to him, he was diagnosed with lung cancer and died within months.

She donated her kidney in honor of Michael.

Kendra's husband Doug Dill said, "I knew she would go through with it if she was found to be a match. There wasn't a question. It's just the type of person she is."

Etienne's parents know the donation means everything to their daughter's health and life.

Etienne's mother, Carol Cromer, said, "Exactly what we've been hoping for for seven years now."

She added, "We'll be there for her just as she's been there for us."

Doctors say the prognosis for Etienne and Kendra is very good. For now, what they need most is rest.

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