January 2, 2026, began like any other day for Coalition Ambassador Brittany Dickerson. She was receiving in-center dialysis when her cell phone rang. On screen she saw a phone number with an area code she immediately recognized, 843. “I know some people who live in the same area, but when I saw the number pop up it felt different, truly surreal,” Brittany says. When she answered, it was the news Brittany had waited nearly five years to receive; a kidney was available. Below, Brittany reflects on that day.
Born into Battle
At age 12, around the time her grandmother was receiving a kidney transplant, Brittany’s parents decided to have her screened for polycystic kidney disease. An ultrasound confirmed that she, like her father and grandmother, had the hereditary disease. Though she was diagnosed with hypertension a few years later, her kidney disease didn’t significantly impact her life until her early 30s. That’s when, she says, she began noticing some of the same signs that had been present in her father and grandmother.
Ready by the Grace of God
In 2021, Brittany learned that she would need a kidney transplant. She placed her faith in God, knowing he would prepare her for the journey and reveal the true purpose of her life. Five years later after a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends, God told Brittany to begin preparations for a kidney. Throughout December, she prayed and read the Bible twice a day and felt the same rush of energy she experienced near the end of her pregnancies, the energy that motivates you to clean your entire house from top to bottom. “My home had never looked so good,” says Brittany.
Dutifully following God’s guidance, Brittany expected great things every time the phone rang. She continued mentally preparing, believing that despite what she wasn’t seeing, God was going to give her a kidney. “With kidney failure or any kind of chronic disease, sometimes the negative self-talk will get you...but when you have the...faith that supersedes all of the other stuff that you're feeling and seeing, that's when you can feel like, okay I'm gonna make it,” Brittany says.
The Role of Nutrition Before and After Transplant
Now, just two months post-transplant, Brittany is recovering well. Prior to surgery, Brittany admits she struggled with nutrition. Not only did she have to restrict her protein intake and be mindful of how much phosphorous she consumed (failing kidneys can’t filter out excess phosphorous which can lead to weakness and vascular system problems) she didn’t have much of an appetite and lost a significant amount of weight. Post-transplant, Brittany has fallen back in love with food and preparing her own meals. “Especially the protein part, having that back in my life and it not having to be so restricted has been awesome because I love eggs,” Brittany exclaims.
Looking Toward a Future of Helping Others
Brittany has big plans for her future once she has fully recovered. In June, she will attend NephCure’s Teen Summit in New Orleans, and in July, she is hoping to feel well enough to take an extended vacation to celebrate her birthday. Long-term, Brittany plans to open a nonprofit organization for kidney health advocates locally in South Carolina. Until then, Brittany is collecting new blankets, hats and gloves for dialysis patients with the help of her church and community.