Arkansas mother fights for her life as she awaits rare dual organ transplant

LITTLE ROCK — A 31‑year‑old Arkansas mother is preparing for a rare dual kidney and heart transplant while navigating the financial and emotional challenges that come with life‑saving surgery. Brittany Slater, a single mother of two, continues to fight advanced kidney disease and congestive heart failure as she works to secure the resources needed for her recovery.

Brittany Slater’s Long Battle With a Rare Disease

Slater has lived with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) since age 18. The rare condition scars the kidneys and causes permanent damage over time. According to KATV, nephrologist Dr. Nithin Karakala explained that the disease often progresses without warning.

“Once it’s scarred, it’s permanent damage. There is a point of no return for the kidney,” Karakala told KATV. He added that patients usually feel no symptoms “until the kidney function drops below 10%.”

Slater now manages both kidney failure and heart failure. She undergoes peritoneal dialysis five days a week, a routine she described to KATV as exhausting. Yet she continues to push forward for her children.

“The courage to just keep going, keep fighting, because nobody’s going to take care of them like I take care of them,” she told KATV.

Arkansas Mother for a Rare Dual Transplant

After a week of extensive medical testing in Nashville, Slater received news that changed her outlook. She had been approved for a dual kidney and heart transplant at Vanderbilt University Hospital. The approval places her among a small group of patients eligible for the complex procedure.

“It was just a very overwhelming feeling,” she told KATV.

Dr. Karakala emphasized the urgency once a donor becomes available. “These organs are precious. They are the lifeline,” he said. “We’re talking about two different organs, and we want to do it as soon as possible.”

Financial Hurdles Remain

Although the transplant approval marks a major step, Slater must still raise funds to cover the 12‑week recovery period she must spend in Nashville. Her family estimates she needs at least $10,000 for housing, meals, travel, caregiver support, and medications not covered by insurance.

Community Support Grows

Her mother, Dee, created a GoFundMe to help meet those needs.

Within 24 hours of Slater’s story airing, donations surged. Her GoFundMe climbed past $29,000, surpassing the original goal and drawing support from hundreds of people. The family said the response has given them renewed strength as they prepare for the next phase of her medical journey.

Slater told KATV that she wants her children to see her resilience. “I just want to make them happy, make them proud,” she said. “Let them know that their mama never gave up and she kept fighting.”

As she waits for the call that a donor match is available, Slater continues to balance treatment, motherhood, and hope for a healthier future.

To learn more or donate, visit the verified GoFundMe.