ST.From Blindness to a Life-Saving Gift: How 20-Year-Old Bridgett Battled Kidney Failure, Lupus, and Dialysis—Then Found Her Superhero Donor at a Cubs Game!

Hello, my name is Bridgett Kolls. I lived a healthy, normal life until 2017, when everything changed. At the beginning of that year, I was just 20 years old, juggling part-time school at the College of DuPage and working as a server at a local restaurant. Life felt busy, exciting, and full of promise—until I started noticing my eyesight worsening. At first, I thought it was something simple, like needing an eye check-up, but as the weeks passed, my vision became so blurry I couldn’t read or drive safely. By March, it was clear this wasn’t just a minor problem. My doctor initially treated it as dry eyes with eye drops, but nothing improved.

In March 2017, the eye drops started, and yet, I couldn’t watch the March Madness games that year—literally! Despite being blind at the time, I was determined not to miss a family vacation in April. I wanted to live life fully, no matter what. My parents and I headed to Florida, staying on the beach—a special treat. I hid behind sunglasses, determined no one would notice I couldn’t see. On that trip, we also noticed bruises on my body, frequent headaches, and nosebleeds, but I still soaked up the sun, sand, and warmth. I had no idea what awaited me once we returned home, but those memories remain precious. Unfortunately, my vision did not improve.

Returning home, I faced one more day of work blind before a scheduled ophthalmology appointment at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove. Serving while blind was challenging—I had to memorize every customer order without the help of my notepad—but thankfully, I have a good memory. My coworkers were supportive, treating me like family and sharing my worry. Deep down, I knew my body was signaling something more serious.

At the ophthalmologist, my mother and brother accompanied me since I couldn’t drive. The doctor took pictures and discovered my retinas were completely detached. He mentioned hypertension or diabetes, but no one in my family had diabetes. A blood pressure check revealed terrifyingly high numbers. Suddenly, I was admitted to the ER, undergoing a barrage of tests and scans. That’s when I met my nephrologist, who delivered the devastating news: I was likely in renal failure. A kidney biopsy confirmed it. I knew nothing about kidneys or dialysis, and it was overwhelming. My nephrologist explained dialysis, helped me join the transplant list, and encouraged me to learn more through the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois. During my six-day hospital stay, I had several emotional breakdowns—it felt like the walls were closing in.

I began in-center hemodialysis at Fresenius Kidney Care in Lombard, IL, a mere five minutes from home. The staff was welcoming and reassuring, helping ease my nerves. I also met other patients who shared similar struggles; some are still friends today. Dialysis became a life-changing routine—three days a week, four hours at a time—while doctors worked to determine why my kidneys failed. By the end of 2017, the year had been relentless. I experienced chest pain, shortness of breath, fevers, and swelling that worsened over Christmas. One night, I struggled to breathe, and my mom rushed me to the ER. Doctors drained a liter and a half of fluid from around my chest, diagnosing a pericardial effusion. There were early signs that lupus, an autoimmune disease, could be the underlying cause. In February 2018, I was officially diagnosed with lupus, an illness where my immune system attacks healthy cells. To this day, doctors debate whether untreated lupus caused my hypertension or vice versa.

Living with lupus and dialysis reshaped my life. I never missed a treatment, even on vacation, and I adjusted my work schedule. Serving became exhausting, so I found a new part-time job at a local gym front desk—a perfect fit that accommodated my energy levels. I threw myself into learning more about kidney health, participating in events with the National Kidney Foundation, and raising awareness for others facing similar challenges.

While dialysis took a toll on my mental health, hope arrived in an unexpected form. I wanted a kidney transplant and tried a creative approach to find a donor. On May 7, 2019, after a dialysis session, I brought a sign to a Chicago Cubs game reading, “This little cubbie needs a kidney,” along with a temporary phone number. I even contacted the Cubs media team, and they shared my story online. That night, thanks to a Christ Bryant walk-off home run, the Cubs won—and my phone didn’t stop buzzing. Many people reached out, offering to help, and one of those messages would ultimately change my life.

Months passed, and on Thanksgiving 2019, I received a message from one of the contacts: “Only a few tests left to see if I can be your donor.” I met him soon after. His name was Thomas Alessio, a Chicago White Sox fan who had seen my post on Twitter. He passed all testing, and by early 2020, we were ready for the final confirmation. My transplant surgery was scheduled for March 26, 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced a delay. Thomas, my family, and my medical team stayed patient, understanding the unprecedented circumstances.

Finally, on July 8, 2020, I received the life-changing call. The day before, July 7th, was my last dialysis session. I went to Advocate Christ Hospital with my mom—my best friend and steadfast support—ready for surgery. Thomas went in first, and we shared a wave before the operation. The surgery was a success. I stayed in the hospital five days to ensure my lupus and new kidney were stable. Thomas left the next day, but I will forever remember our connection in that hallway.

Returning home, my life transformed. I healed, regained my strength, and celebrated milestones, including a Cubs vs. White Sox cross-town game, where we were invited by Advocate Hospital. Every day, I am thankful for Thomas, my family, my doctors, and every person who supported me along the way. July 8, 2021, marked one year with my new kidney—a day of rebirth, hope, and gratitude. Life is unpredictable, and while I have faced immense challenges, I have learned to cherish every moment, every sunbeam on the beach, every note of music, and every heartbeat. Life is fragile, yet resilient, and I am living proof that even in the darkest moments, hope can shine through.