A Kidney For Brittany Dickerson

This is probably the most difficult thing, I have ever had to write. I'm in need of a kidney transplant and I want to let you all know about my condition.

 

I was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease at the age of 12. This disease runs on my father's side of the family. For the most part, I have been able to lead a normal life like everyone else and keep my disease at bay. However, over time my kidney disease has gotten worse causing my kidneys not to work well enough to keep me alive. I am being kept alive by the current treatment of In-Center Hemodialysis. Hemodialysis involves being connected to a machine for a certain time period during which my blood is filtered throughout the machine removing toxins since my kidneys can no longer do it for me. Hemodialysis only performs 10% to 15% of a normal kidney function. Dialysis keeps me alive but it affects my body and quality of life. I am fighting my hardest everyday to do what I can to maintain what little kidney function that I have left.

 

I am currently listed by United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) list as a recipient for a kidney transplant. UNOS would be in charge with matching me with a kidney from a deceased donor. However, my goal is to receive a kidney from a living donor for two reasons. A kidney from a living donor would last two times longer than a kidney from a deceased donor and the waiting list for a kidney can be more than five years. The thought of having to possibly wait five years or longer for a kidney leaves my two children and family vulnerable to losing me. That is why I am asking for your help. Below is some basic information about kidney donation:

 

 

If you are considering donating a kidney to me, please complete the living donor referral form at https://www.augustahealth.org/transplant you may also contact the Augusta University Health Kidney Transplant Program directly at [phone redacted].

 

If you are unable to consider donating a kidney, I would humbly ask that you help donate to the costs that I will incur for undergoing a kidney transplant with the University of Augusta. Also, donations will fuel my campaign as well for my living donor search. No donation is too small and I would appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. Most importantly, thank you for taking the time to read my story!