Better Than I Ever Imagined

       I would just like to say thank you so, so much to everyone who has prayed for me as I go through this journey.  Prayers have been answered!  Today I went to see Dr. Falk for a follow-up appointment.  I always go to the lab on Monday before appointments with him on Thursday so he will know the results of kidney function tests.   Of course I was very anxious about seeing him today since my kidney function had gone down to 15% in December.  I am happy to share my kidney function was up to 22% (which is what it was in October)!   Dr. Falk was very pleased and contributes the improvement to weight loss.  Since July 18, I have lost 32.4 pounds.  When you are a woman, every tenth counts!  23 more pounds to shed in order to meet goal weight.  Thankfully the percentage of kidney function increased by 7 and did not decrease by 7.  He said once my kidney function is around 10%, I will begin dialysis. Thanks to everyone who has prayed about my kidney function, because 22% kidney function buys me more time before beginning dialysis or having a transplant.  The news I received today was better than I ever imagined.  Dr. Falk did share that going through End-Stage Renal Failure is not easy and that I was going to have to endure symptoms I deal with each day.  Some of the symptoms include feeling exhausted, metallic taste in my mouth (tastes like I have been sucking a mouth full of nickels) and excessive dry mouth.  Please pray these symptoms improve.

    Many people have contributed to fundraising events being held.  I just never dreamed how well friends and even strangers would respond. Your generosity is more than I ever imagined.   Thanks.

       

Plans to Give You Hope and a Future, Jeremiah 29:11

     It has been brought to my attention by a few friends that I have not posted a blog lately.  I have lots of great news to share today.
     Last Sunday at church, I looked down at the pew in front of me and a friend had Jeremiah 29:11 imprinted on his Bible cover.   Jeremiah 29:11 states, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."   I can really tell the effects of End Stage Renal Failure are wearing on my body and those words give me great encouragement.
     I want to thank everyone who has contacted Amy Woodard, Living Donor Coordinator at UNC.   You are each my hero!  I have been praying for a living donor and  ask everyone to do the same. The average wait in North Carolina for a kidney from a deceased donor is 5 years. If you have considered being a living donor, please call UNC at (919) 966-3079.
     I am home today preparing for kidney function tests for tomorrow at UNC.  Thursday afternoon I will see Dr. Falk at the nephrology clinic and  he will share the results from Monday's tests.  I also ask you to pray that my kidney function remains around 15% or higher.  And then Friday, I will receive three immunization shots.  The immunizations are important to receive now, since I will be on medication after the transplant that greatly suppresses the immune system.  One of the immunizations is the shingles shot.  I had to obtain special permission from the insurance company to receive it.  Wonder why you normally have to be 60 to receive the injection?  I had the shingles in 2011 and it was a HORRIBLE experience!  One thing for certain, the pre-transplant process is more involved than I ever imagined.
     A lot of time during last two weeks has been devoted to fundraising.  For some reason, fundraising has made this journey seem very surreal.  Current fundraising endeavors include 31 Gift parties,  a Premier Jewelry party, selling "Urine My Hear"t kidney pins and a golf tournament.  I can not even begin to share with you how generous people have been without tearing up. 

     As I mentioned in previous blogs, my friend and fellow teacher, Tiffany Barber is selling 31 Gifts as a means to fundraise for me.  From the first party, she donated all of the commission from sales to my fund.  As a result of the sales at the first party, we were able to order these bags to auction at other events. 

There are 3 parties being held this month and another in March with Tiffany donating 50% of the commission for fundraising.   My next door neighbor, a co-worker and her mother, another co-worker and my sisters have booked parties with Tiffany to assist with fundraising.   I have phenomenal friends and family. Tiffany has vowed to fundraise selling 31 Gifts until I have the transplant. Can not even begin to thank her enough! 

      Kathryn West, with whom I attend church sells Premiere Jewelry.  We have a party scheduled for 7:00 pm on March 3 at my home and she will be donating a portion of the commission for fundraising.  Please join us for a fun party.

     Last month, a co-worker purchased "Urine My Heart" kidney pins for fundraising.  She ordered 50 and the pins sold within a few days.  Recently, I was humbled while sitting in a teacher's meeting and seeing many staff members wearing a kidney pin to honor the transplant.  I ordered 150 more with about  30 not pre-sold.  If you would like to order any, please email me at carolinakidney@gmail.com.  

    Back in the fall, an executive for one of the convenient store chains that Ronnie works with suggested a golf tournament for fundraising.   Ronnie has many contacts in the retail market and it has been incredible to witness various companies and individuals respond.  The amount of support has been extraordinary.  Also, I sent letters to business owners we know and quickly received responses as well.  And, of course we have shared information through Facebook.  Many friends who I have not seen for several years are coming to support the golf tournament that day.  Much thanks to those who are helping to make the golf tournament a successful fundraising event.  For the golf tournament, our needs include hole sponsorships, golf teams, items for silent auction/ raffle, food for the tournament, items for goodie bags and volunteers. It will be held May 2 at Lane Tree Country Club. Please email me if you would like any information. 

     I mentioned above that fundraising has made this journey seem surreal.  As I went to the Transplant Clinic at UNC in January, the reality of the transplant began to sink in, but seeing my picture on the flyer Ronnie created for the golf tournament has really helped me realize this is a truly happening.  With the many appointments I have endured, one would assume I was already in the mindset, but ..... the flyer did it! 

     As you know, I teach elementary students. Several days ago, I shared with students that I will be having a transplant.  The students were very receptive of the news and asked very relevant questions.  Some  even shared what they knew about transplants.  I was very proud of them, because I just did not know what to expect.  (You never know what words will come out of kids mouths).  I also wrote their parents a note about the transplant.  Parents sent kind messages and some of the kids have told me they pray for me each night.  Those words really tug on my heart.

      Thanks again to so many of you for your love and support.  My family has been extremely supportive, BUT I never expected the amount of support I have received from my Briarcliff Elementary family. This journey has been difficult physically/ emotionally and the encouragement and love given by co-workers has been beyond any expectations I could have ever imagined. There is no way to ever thank everyone enough and I truly love each of you.