On July 7, 2025, our daughter Elle received the gift of life — a new kidney from a selfless, deceased donor. It came at the start of what would’ve been her fifth week on dialysis. Instead of returning to the clinic that week, she was rolled into surgery, full of courage and peace, as our hearts swelled with equal parts gratitude and awe. Since then, our home has slowly begun to feel like itself again. The sounds of imaginative play between Elle and her brother Finn echo through the rooms. My wife Shirley is back to homeschooling, nurturing not just lessons, but laughter. Meals are being cooked and shared around the table again. We’re settling into a new kind of normal — one born from suffering but rooted in hope. Now, I prepare to step into surgery myself. On September 29, I will donate my kidney as part of the National Kidney Registry’s Paired Kidney Exchange Program. This altruistic donation will not only provide a life-saving kidney to someone in need, but will also earn Elle a Kidney Voucher, securing her access to a future transplant should she ever need one again. When I asked Elle what advice she’d give me heading into this surgery, she thought for a second and said, “Well Dad, you’ll be asleep for all of it, so don’t worry about that part.” I smiled, and asked if she had anything else to offer. Without skipping a beat, she looked me in the eye and said, “You’re stronger than you think.” The same words I whispered into her ear just before she went under anesthesia for her own transplant. We carry each other. We have been lifted by our community in more ways than we can count. As a family of faith, we believe that none of this — the timing, the miracles, the love shown — is accidental. We are walking forward with open hearts, knowing that grace has met us every step of the way. If you’d like to support us through this next chapter — with meals, prayer, or simply encouragement — this space is where we’ll share updates and receive your kindness. Thank you for walking this road with us. — The Dicks Family (Shirley, Jonathan, Elle, Finn, and Teddy)
While we welcome connection and in person fellowship, we humbly ask for no in-person visitors in the coming weeks. Elle is now in post-transplant recovery and remains immunocompromised. In this season of healing, we are committed to creating a calm, protected space at home perfect for her and myself. If you are contributing to the meal train, please note that Shirley has a gluten allergy, so gluten-free meals are especially appreciated. The kids are not sensitive and just grateful for the love that comes with every bite. Thank you for walking alongside us. Your continued support makes all the difference.