03/12/2026
Lauren Brooks battled kidney disease for more than 35 years, with symptoms starting in elementary school.
"At age 10, I was hospitalized, but I couldn't quite figure out the answers then. Later, it was discovered that I had kidney infections, leaving scarring on my kidneys. Come to find out, I was born with glomerulonephritis," Lauren said.
After decades of treatments, surgeries, and dialysis, Lauren finally received a kidney, immediately feeling better!
"Post-transplant, 6 months now, many have told me my color has returned," Lauren said. "I spent most of my dialysis time on peritoneal dialysis, so I had energy, but now I can come and go as I please without having to worry about hooking up to a machine by a certain time."
Lauren hopes that by sharing her story, more people will feel inclined to donate.
"Many things can cause issues in one's body, such as kidney disease that may appear unexpectedly. It can happen to anyone," Lauren said. "You never know when it could be YOU that needs help."
As we continue to recognize National Kidney Month, we're so grateful for North Carolinians like Lauren for sharing their story. To learn more about organ donation, head to DonateLifeNC.org!
