Florence High Baseball Player Sawyer Dykman Receives New Kidney After His First Transplant at 18 Months Failed and Years of Waiting on Dialysis
Great news for the teenager and all his well-wishers!
December 19, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 19, 2026
Florence is breathing a collective sigh of relief after news that Florence High School baseball player Sawyer Dykman has received a kidney transplant and that the new kidney is already working, school and church posts said.
The announcement, first shared by First Baptist Florence, asked the community to keep the Dykman family in prayer as Sawyer traveled to Birmingham for the procedure.
FHS Baseball later confirmed the transplant was successful and urged continued prayers from the whole community for a full recovery of the teenager.
The church post called the moment “great news” and emphasized ongoing prayer requests for the child, the medical team, and the donor family.
An update from the baseball program followed: “He has his new kidney and it is already working. Keep the prayers coming for his recovery. Can’t wait for him to be back on the field with his Eagle baseball family.”
Team members and supporters described the day as the result of long-awaited hope and collective faith.
Dykman had Prune Belly Syndrome, a genetic condition affecting abdominal muscles and often leading to kidney failure. Sawyer received his first transplant at just 18 months of age.
Two and a half years ago, his kidney failed, and he has been on dialysis at Children’s of Mississippi while awaiting a new kidney.
Dykman is now 15, and he has undergone more than 25 surgeries and procedures, countless ER visits, and numerous hospital admissions.
His care team has included pediatric nephrologists, urologists, pulmonologists, physical and occupational therapists, psychologists, and dialysis clinicians.
He undergoes dialysis three times a week, each session lasting over four hours.
His mother says he loves his nurses and dialysis team, who provide outstanding care not just for Sawyer, but for his family as well.
Despite the issues, Sawyer is described as “Mr. Social.” He enjoys hunting, watching the Atlanta Braves and Pittsburgh Steelers, and serving as manager for the Florence baseball team.
Though he cannot play, he takes pride in cheering for his teammates. He is also a dedicated Mississippi State fan, and last year got to spend time with the Bulldogs baseball team, even playing catch with them.
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Loads of Prayers From the Community
Responses on social media were immediate and heartfelt. “Good luck Sawyer, we love you,” one community member wrote.
Others framed the transplant as an answered prayer and a Christmas blessing. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow. I’ve been asking the Lord to give Sawyer a new kidney for Christmas,” one friend posted.
Another added, “Thank you Lord for answered prayers. We’re all continuing to pray for successful surgery and complete recovery.”
The comments highlighted gratitude not only for Sawyer’s operation but for the medical team and the donor family.
“We’re so grateful to God for this answered prayer. Will be praying for Sawyer and his family and for the donor family and all the medical staff involved in this life-giving miracle,” one local resident wrote.
Several others specifically asked for wisdom and steady hands for the surgeons: “Praying for God to guide that surgeon’s hands,” read one of the posts.
Friends and neighbors also spoke to the personal toll and the community’s support.
“This day has been a long time coming,” the baseball family wrote, urging prayers for the doctors, Sawyer, and his parents.
Messages ranged from quick notes, “Praying,” to longer reflections on faith and gratitude: “Continued prayers for Sawyer and his family. Praise God for all He is doing in Sawyer’s life,” one commenter said.
Church leaders and local supporters encouraged the community to keep the family in their prayers and to remain patient as Sawyer recovers.
One post framed the moment as a “Christmas gift,” while many simply offered steady, practical support: “If you need anything, reach out,” read several replies.
Several family friends and top supporters pledged to pray for the donor family as well, recognizing the sacrifice that made the transplant possible.
At this stage, Sawyer is in recovery, and the family, the school, and the church said they will provide updates as they receive them.
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Anish Koirala has loved sports since he was a kid. He grew up playing basketball and soccer, and that passion stayed with him over the years. Today, Anish works as a writer and editor, sharing his knowledge and love for the game through articles and stories. He uses his playing experience to make his writing clear, thoughtful, and fun to read.
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