Brittany was born with a condition called Gastroschisis, which is a rare birth defect where the intestines protrude through a hole in the abdominal wall. This complication necessitated a Bianchi procedure, a bowel-lengthening surgery that involves splitting and reshaping the intestine to increase its length and enhance nutrient absorption. As a child, Brittany struggled with nutrient absorption, gaining, and maintaining weight. This led to her requiring Total Parental Nutrition (TPN) through an NG Tube or G-tube. Eventually, over time, this TPN supplement led to her liver and small intestine failure at the age of 8. In 2000, Brittany received her first life-saving multi-organ transplant – receiving a liver, pancreas, small intestine, and bone marrow. By 2011, she experienced chronic kidney failure due to Prograf toxicity, and in that same year, she received a kidney. All of her life-saving transplants have been made possible by the generosity of deceased donors. Brittany’s multi-organ transplant has remained strong for 26 years, and her kidney transplant gave her 12 meaningful years of life. Unfortunately, Brittany got the news last year that her eGFR for kidney functioning was below 15 and was diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease Stage 4, which resulted in the loss of her transplanted kidney after 12 years.
Brittany needs your help to raise funds for medical expenses insurance won’t cover, such as relocation expenses to access treatment, flight travel costs, lodging, meals, and other critical costs associated with her transplant journey. Family and friends are aiming to raise $50,000 to support Brittany’s temporary relocation for pre- and post-transplant evaluations, as well as to help cover expenses related to a living donor. Brittany has chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because donations are tax-deductible for contributors and will only be used to cover medical and related expenses. Every donation, share, or act of support brings her closer to the chance of healing and continuing her purpose-driven life.
About Brittany:
Brittany is thirty-three years old and lives her life with purpose and gratitude, honoring her organ donors as she embraces curiosity, lifelong learning, and a positive outlook on life despite the challenges she encounters. Brittany was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, and is the middle child of four siblings with two younger brothers and an older sister. She loves her family with all her heart! She feels most alive when listening to music—whether with friends or on her own—and finds joy and healing through dancing and singing, which serve as her form of therapy. She loves attending concerts, meeting new people as a social butterfly, and finds joy in the little things, whether big or small. She is profoundly empathetic and passionate about advocating for mental health and individuals with disabilities—a dedication she has demonstrated through seven years of committed service in her career. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2019 and has shown remarkable strength and dedication throughout her career. Even while being immunocompromised, Brittany bravely became a second-grade teacher during the pandemic to help address the teacher shortage and support students’ growth and well-being, driven by a genuine love and dedication to working with children. Her passion for creating positive change runs deep, as shown through her work with children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities as an ABA therapist, rehabilitation case manager, crisis response specialist, and high school transitions coordinator. Through every challenge, Brittany’s resilience and compassion guide an unwavering commitment to lifting those who need it most. To further deepen this commitment, she has completed two years of her Master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with just a year and a half remaining to finish her degree. Brittany hopes to become a therapist who supports transplant recipients, their families, donors, and individuals living with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities, as well as those with chronic illnesses or autoimmune conditions. She has taken a medical leave of absence from school to focus on her health and has been away from work temporarily for the past year, until she receives her kidney transplant. This time has given her the space to reflect, heal, and prepare for the journey ahead. Every day, it’s clear how eager she is to resume her studies, give back to her community, live out her purpose, and cherish meaningful time with friends and family. Brittany has so much more life to live and countless memories yet to create. She is our transplant warrior, and with your support, she can continue to pursue her purpose and make a lasting impact in the lives of others.
As Brittany will need ongoing support for approximately 6 months, we highly encourage recurring monthly donations, even small donations help. To make a tax-deductible donation, simply click the “Give” button.
Please help us share this fundraising campaign through social media or with friends and family – every share counts. For more information about Brittany’s campaign or to learn about living donor eligibility, please visit: https://kidneyforbrittany.org/
For more information on Help Hope Live, 800.642.8399.
Thank you for all your support!
