Bernadettes Dual Transplant Surgery
Donation protected
Bernadette's Story
Hello to all our family and friends! I'm asking for your help for my favorite sister, Bernadette Martinez Apodaca. She is 52 years old, married to Michael and mother to Jennifer and Andrew as well as grandmother to three beautiful granddaughters. Bernadette was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 6 months old.
Bernadette has lived with her diabetes quite well while on insulin, both injections and then with the insulin pump. She has wonderful doctors who have monitored her diabetes. Approximately two years ago it was determined her diabetes had taken a toll on her kidneys. She was tested quite extensively to see if she was a candidate to be placed on the recipient-donor list. She was determined to be a good candidate and was placed on the waiting list for both a kidney and pancreas.
During this time Bernadette was having many diabetic reactions, some requiring trips to the hospital. Bernadette was also started on peritoneal dialysis allowing her to have dialysis at home during the night. The wait for a kidney and pancreas lasted almost two years, with one call to the Mayo Clinic that turned her away due to complications last September.
Bernadette has not able to work during this time.
This December 2017 we received the best gift we could get, Bernadette was called to the Mayo Clinic with matching organs. Her transplant went smoothly, both organs began working immediately, however her recovery had its complications. She experienced a heart attack within a couple of days and then several weeks later she developed pneumonia. She is home now, a bit thin but working on regaining her strength and getting better every day!
How Can You Help?
Bernadette will be on anti-rejection medications for the remainder of her life. The most critical (and most expensive) time will be during the first year where the medication will be rather costly in addition to many medical visits to the Mayo over the next year.
This is where you can help! We are currently seeking funds to assist her with the costs during the first year for medication and other medical expenses.
Hello to all our family and friends! I'm asking for your help for my favorite sister, Bernadette Martinez Apodaca. She is 52 years old, married to Michael and mother to Jennifer and Andrew as well as grandmother to three beautiful granddaughters. Bernadette was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 6 months old.
Bernadette has lived with her diabetes quite well while on insulin, both injections and then with the insulin pump. She has wonderful doctors who have monitored her diabetes. Approximately two years ago it was determined her diabetes had taken a toll on her kidneys. She was tested quite extensively to see if she was a candidate to be placed on the recipient-donor list. She was determined to be a good candidate and was placed on the waiting list for both a kidney and pancreas.
During this time Bernadette was having many diabetic reactions, some requiring trips to the hospital. Bernadette was also started on peritoneal dialysis allowing her to have dialysis at home during the night. The wait for a kidney and pancreas lasted almost two years, with one call to the Mayo Clinic that turned her away due to complications last September.
Bernadette has not able to work during this time.
This December 2017 we received the best gift we could get, Bernadette was called to the Mayo Clinic with matching organs. Her transplant went smoothly, both organs began working immediately, however her recovery had its complications. She experienced a heart attack within a couple of days and then several weeks later she developed pneumonia. She is home now, a bit thin but working on regaining her strength and getting better every day!
How Can You Help?
Bernadette will be on anti-rejection medications for the remainder of her life. The most critical (and most expensive) time will be during the first year where the medication will be rather costly in addition to many medical visits to the Mayo over the next year.
This is where you can help! We are currently seeking funds to assist her with the costs during the first year for medication and other medical expenses.
Organizer
Bernadette Apodaca
Organizer
Mesa, AZ