Brittany Dickerson

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and hypertension have surprisingly enriched my life in so many ways. It's not everyday that you hear the word enriched when describing the effects of a chronic condition, but for me, it applies perfectly. I was diagnosed with PKD from my father's side of the family at the age of 12. Later, my diagnosis of hypertension at the age of 17 while pregnant and the inability to regulate my blood pressure attributed to my kidney disease becoming aggressive much faster than I anticipated. My disease changed my life including peritoneal dialysis, in-center hemodialysis, and even most recently transplantation. I received my kidney transplant on 01/02/2026. I was given a second lease on life with my transplant but my journey with kidney disease will never be erased. My new norm will be focused on preserving and holding onto my new kidney which I named "Angel" for as long as I can.  

I advocate because God revealed to me that my life is much bigger than myself and my plight. God allowed my kidney disease to lead me to a community of underrepresented patients in the world. Every experience and environment that I have encountered during my kidney journey has helped me to see clearly the need for education and reform to ensure a difference is made during my time here on Earth. The broken systems that are in place for kidney failure patients and the people who I have met along the way have inspired me to use my voice for those who feel unseen and unheard. The kidney failure community includes patients who will "never" be deemed a good candidate for transplantation due to multiple reasons –some with and without the fault of their own. The dialysis business, especially in-center hemodialysis ,contains an air of sadness as you watch chairs become empty from patient deaths, yet before you have the time to fully absorb their missed presence someone new immediately takes their place. I advocate to let others know that I see and hear their stories. I advocate to reinforce my presence and that I am fighting right alongside them indefinitely.