A Valentine of a lifetime: A sister's lifesaving gift
“We are a testimony.” – Brynn and Madison Rodgers.
Madison, 22, and Brynn,19, grew up in the country as inseparable sisters — best friends who played every sport together, finished each other’s thoughts, and moved through life with an almost unspoken understanding. Along with their younger sister, Blakely, the girls formed a trio, but the connection between the older two sisters was especially deep following a life-changing moment.
When the oldest, Madison, left Texas for college in Georgia, the transition was tough. Brynn naturally stepped into more of a ‘big sister’ role at home and found herself maturing earlier than she expected. She adapted well, but she never stopped missing Madison’s guidance.
Brynn’s junior year of high school in 2023 took an unexpected turn when she began experiencing unusual symptoms. It started with fever blisters around her mouth, but within days her condition worsened. She developed a painful rash, bright red spots that turned purple overnight, swelling that made her legs feel heavy and tight, intense headaches and vomiting so severe she could barely keep food down. Despite numerous tests, doctors were unable to provide clear answers. Dermatologists mentioned vasculitis but could not determine the cause. Additional symptoms included darkened urine, difficulty breathing and lethargy. When it became clear that Brynn was not improving, her father knew it was time to take her to the hospital. That’s where she finally received a diagnosis: Henoch‑Schönlein Purpura (HSP), a rare autoimmune disease that was damaging her kidneys.
She was placed on steroids for six months, which brought difficult side effects. Brynn rapidly gained water weight, developed deep stretch marks, and felt uncomfortable overall. At school, she sensed people looking at her differently. Despite everything, she found remarkable strength. She finished volleyball season and moved straight into basketball season. By spring, her weight began to decrease. Brynn even won State MVP in softball — an achievement that felt surreal given what she was enduring. Her coaches supported her, understanding her limits and giving her grace, but Brynn tried hard not to let her illness define her. After softball season, she committed to a college team, excited about her future in the sport. But as her health continued to decline, that dream had to be placed on hold.
She began dialysis in the hospital and then nightly at home. It became a strict, exhausting routine: ten hours every night, connected to a machine, while her friends enjoyed senior-year freedoms she couldn’t participate in. Through all this, she leaned on her faith deeply, reminding herself that God had a purpose for her and that she was, as her younger sister told her, one of His soldiers. “What is going on in my life right now is preparing me for the future,” said Brynn.
After a second opinion, doctors confirmed Brynn needed a kidney transplant. Her family was devastated. Before anyone was tested, she’d had a vivid dream in which God told her Madison would be her donor.
When Madison heard she might be a match, she didn’t hesitate. She felt called to help, confident that God had placed her in this exact moment for this exact reason. Their parents also matched, but Madison stepped forward without hesitation. Madison left college and returned to Texas for additional testing. Testing confirmed what their hearts already knew — Madison’s kidney function was exceptional, and everything aligned perfectly.
On June 6, 2025, the sisters arrived at Methodist Hospital Specialty and Transplant before sunrise with matching French braids and their emotional support stuffed animals tucked under their arms. They talked nonstop as nerves settled in. Brynn read her Bible while Madison hugged their dad with tears streaming down her face — a moment full of fear but also full of surrender. Madison went into surgery first, and Brynn prayed intensely as she waited.
The transplant was successful. Brynn woke up feeling like a new version of herself, almost as if life had been restored immediately. Even through pain and a catheter, her spirit felt lighter. Madison woke up in discomfort, struggling with gas pain, but her only concern was whether Brynn was okay.
Within a few months, Brynn was back on the softball field — stronger, energized, and with consistently good numbers. She now wears a protective guard over her stomach during sports to shield her new kidney. She often talks about how blessed they were with their surgeons, nurses, and the support they received. Madison returned to her routine: Pilates, walks, and healthy eating, barely noticing she’s got one kidney. Their faith remained at the center of everything, grounding them through recovery just as it had through illness.
Sharing their story on Valentine’s Day and National Donor Day shows a sacrificial love — the kind that reflects not only the love between sisters but also the love they believe God has for them. “The feeling is indescribable. I have so much gratitude towards my sister for giving up her organ to save me. She loves me that much. She is my hero,” shared Brynn.
“Life is way too short not to love others and be kind. If I have something I can give to help someone else, I am going to do it. Knowing what I know now, I would do it all over again,” says Madison.
Every June 6, they celebrate their transplant anniversary like a second birthday – a joyful reminder of what they overcame together. Their hope is that their story brings comfort to others facing similar battles, showing that even in the darkest seasons, faith can bring peace, clarity, and hope.