Kathy Bennett's Medical and Health

In a perfect world, you hope and pray that nothing happens to you or your family. I recently lost my father at 39, and the outpouring of love and affection was well beyond what I could have imagined. Why? People took the time to “notice and care”. 
      I believe in Paying It Forward, and now it’s my time to help a very good childhood/high school/adult friend who needs our love and support. I can’t personally imagine what it must be like to endure difficulties health wise at such a young age…and how it defines your life, identity and relationships.       
       My Go Fund Me account is for an amazing lady, Ms. Kathy Jane Bennett. I am aware of her struggles and strife. However, as of yet, each year seems to get more complicated and painful. I personally thank you for taking the time to “notice and care”. 
         Kathy was a vibrant child whom grew into an amazing woman. Unfortunately, starting at fourteen years of age her health problems arose.  Misdiagnosis and confusion finally led to Kathy being diagnosed with Crohns Disease and Colitis. These vicious disorders can and HAVE affected Kathy in every way possible, including a catastrophic cardiac arrest leading to a self induced coma and life support. All due to Kathy’s large colon being removed. 
       Other symptoms involved problems within her digestive tract, including her small intestine and large intestine which eventually led to ulcerative colitis, deficiencies in B-12, folic acid, gallstones, kidney stones, anemia, sores in intestines, fistulas, and a higher risk of different types of cancers.  
         Kathy has endured over 30 different surgeries in just two years alone, and has been in the hospital months at a time.  As to date, she has endured 45 different surgeries, including lengthy hospital stays including the loss of countless holidays, birthdays and her Dixie Hollins High School Reunion.  
         Surgery after surgery, constant pain…along with trying to be a friend,  sister, daughter, fur-mommy to 3 awesome dogs,  girlfriend and a mother to her only son Blake. Due to unfortunate circumstances Kathy had to have a hysterectomy due to complications with her residing disorder.
        As her disorder intensified, Kathy had an abscess that burst and sent deadly toxins throughout her body. Again, in hospital for days, constantly dealing with re-forming fistulas, and another procedure called a BCIR. This process involves a pouch attached to her abdomen with a short segment of her intestines leading from pouch to stomach. Then a catheter is introduced into the pouch.  The recovery period for this procedure alone, with complications…was 2 months in the hospital. This pouch has to be drained 2 to 4 times a day, and is an expensive recourse to help her remain comfortable.  
       Her diet is largely limited, and constant nausea is an everyday occurrence due to lack of vitamins and minerals. She gives herself B-12 shots and gets IV treatments often. 
       Hence, again, she endured a surgery where a giant mass the size of a baseball was removed.  It was intense, extremely painful and once again her longing for being home with her loved ones, and pets was denied.  Yet, she continues to remain positive. 
        Kathy proudly worked for Tech Data for 11 years.  She developed friendships, had insurance and was a loyal employee.  Kathy was a dedicated worker now striving for long term disability, and filing for state disability. This process can take forever! In addition, her doctor abruptly informed her she was not in the right condition to work at all due to her life threatening conditions.
         She has a family who loves her very much, and friends whom adore her, but financial living conditions are bad for all of us… medical bills, deductibles, co-pays and average life expenses.  We are all too familiar with our economy and our healthcare system.  We can wallow in our own self misery, or focus on ourselves, and include any loved ones...and those who care.
         Her boyfriend Nick is amazing (Any boyfriend who has a birthday party in your hospital room is definitely a keeper). However, one salary for a 5 person household is almost unattainable.   
          In closing, I cheerleaded with this fabulous girl; I stood beside her on stage in drama class and laughed hysterically. We had slumber parties together that I remember so fondly, and she was a part of my life! She is a part of so many lives, and has a wonderful array of high school friends who love her dearly.   We have all watched her son grow, and her friends/loved ones have stood beside her and carried her heart within theirs.   
           Please, will you help me and many others pull together, and help Kathy and her family. This isn’t just an emergency situation…this is an on-going problem that needs a bit of extra love and attention.  I feel if we all pull through, share and care…anything is possible.  5.00 dollars can make all the difference in the world! Pay It Forward Please! It will reach you too! :)
           If you know her…you love her and that contagious laugh....
   If you didn’t know her…You would still love her…
           Please support Kathy Jane Bennett. She needs hope. The world needs hope, but I have to start close to home to someone who is strong, brave and proud. 
          I drove through McDonalds the other day, and the car in front of me paid for my meal. This has happened twice. We need more of this…Compassion for all! I tried to pay it forward, and suprisingly the order behind me was 52.06....So what do you do? I paid it...and moved on....You can't pick the moment you decide to give...Your heart just tells you so.....and of course your pocketbook....If I didn't have it in my account....I would have just shoved my two pups through the window and let them work there....for a week or two....(Kidding) :) 
         You give what your heart feels is right. I always love to end inspiring things with a famous quote. However, I don’t need a famous quote-Kathy has wonderful friends.  Holly Martico has been friends with Kathy for 15 years, and I believe we all share her thoughts. 
           Holly stated, "Kathy is a kind-hearted and giving person. She helps out EVERYONE. She will offer a ride to those in need, cook for someone, lend money-(even though she might not have it) or just plain listen to a friend. Kathy is not a taker…She is a 100% giver. She never asks for anything in return. She never asked for a Go Fund Me, but as a friend, I knew she needed us".
           Her dear friend Holly also included "She has endured so much, including dirty instruments being left inside her, infections and just plain neglect. Please, anything will help, and we all want to show her we love her, and she is truly appreciated”.
          In conclusion my dear friends...and strangers alike...I believe hope is a good thing….the best of things, and I believe good intentions or thoughts  never die. XO XO 
         If we build the love, I believe it will come. If we hold strong and all unite...I feel we will all overcome amazing obstacles together-never alone. A political stand point is something....watching the tragedies on the news is another as well....But I choose the gift of tomorrow....for all of us..... happiness!..and I choose it for my friend...and all of you loved ones as well...... Tomorrow is a new day: Let's Kick ASS!