Yesterday, I returned home from my weeklong stay at the hospital for the nephrectomy, which they tell is by far the more trying of the two surgeries. Thanks Heavens for that, because this one was very difficult indeed.
Forunately, throughout this entire process, I have been blessed with an incredible family aand freinds, and also with some of the best doctors I've ever had (and I've had a LOT). In particular, my nephrologist, Dr. Joespehine Abraham, and the tranaplant suregon, Dr. Diane Alonzo, are terrific. Dr. Alonzo posses by far the most important qulaity for a surgeoun, by which I mean she reminds me of Hawkeye.
One of the things that got me through the hardest times in the hospital was the thought I am not unlucky to have this happen to me, I am phoneomenally lucky to be surviving it. But, most of all, what got me through was what's got me through is what has gotten me through everything: love. From family, friends, and my Father in Heaven.
Thanks to everyone for all of their thoughts, prayers, Reiki, positive energy, jokes, DVDS, "Indiana Jones" memorabilia . . . whatever you sent me at the hospital. I love you all.
Salt Lake City film student Paul Gibbs has had a kidney abnormality all his life. In November, his health took a turn for the worst. Both of his kidneys have failed and he is in immediate need of a kidney transplant. Like so many, he finds himself without health insurance and with the recent cuts in government assistance he desperately needs help to pay for the procedure and the medications that he will have to be on for the rest of his life. Thank you for your help.
Paul's Story
Paul Gibbs is a 34-year old Salt Lake City, Utah film student and part-time Clark Planetarium employee who is also helping to raise his 4-year-old nephew and 2-year-old niece. Having lived his entire life with impaired kidney function – he underwent 9 surgeries for Bilaterral Ureteral Reflux before the age of 5 – he now find himself in kidney failure and in desperate need of both dialysis and a kidney transplant to survive. In order to keep his body from attacking and/or rejecting the new kidney, he will have to be on medications for the rest of his life. This is a very expensive situation and not one that he can afford on his own.
We will work together to keep you informed of Paul’s condition, treatment and progress through this blog.
Thank you so very much for your support.
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We are not a non-profit organization and your donation is not tax deductible. However, Paul's need is great and your generosity is not only appreciated, it's good karma. "Thank you" seems inadequate, but it is heartfelt and full of love for your kindness.
2 comments:
I'm glad you're home. My prayers are with you as you prepare for the transplant.
You're amazing, and I am in awe of your strength and your positive attitude. Our prayers for you are many and we are so glad that you are doing well!
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