Ardmore, Alabama — For nine-year-old Ruger Ennis, patience has finally been rewarded in the most powerful way imaginable — with the gift of life.
After waiting eight long months for a kidney transplant, Ruger received his new kidney this week, bringing new hope to a young boy who has already endured more than most.
Ruger is known by those who love him as a fun-loving kid who enjoys Minecraft, Legos, and Spider-Man, but his journey has been anything but ordinary. He was born with Nail-patella syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects the bones, joints, kidneys, and eyes. At birth, Ruger had no kneecaps and his feet were turned backward.
At just three years old, surgeons performed complex procedures to create kneecaps and straighten his feet, giving him the ability to run, play, and enjoy life like other children. For five years, Ruger thrived — until everything changed.
On March 24, 2025, what started as a simple sinus infection quickly turned serious. After being taken to Children’s of Alabama, doctors discovered that Ruger had developed Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a rare kidney disease that causes scarring in the kidneys’ filtering system.
In just over a month, Ruger’s condition progressed to end-stage kidney failure.
“He needed either a kidney transplant or to go on continuous dialysis to survive,” his mother, Haley Schrimsher, explained.
Ruger was placed on the transplant list and began the long wait for a donor. For eight months, his family held on to hope — and this week, that hope became reality.
Ruger received a life-saving kidney transplant, thanks to the generosity of a donor family who chose to give the ultimate gift.
Although he will need time to recover and regain his strength, doctors say Ruger is expected to do well. Within a few months, he will be able to return to the activities he loves — and celebrate life again in 2026.
“Good things really do come to those who wait,” his family says.
And now, Ruger is finally getting his chance to just be a kid again. 💙
