Help Barb Heal
Donation protected
Hi there, many of you have seen posts that Barb Gladue has put on Facebook, and know that she has been spending some time in the hospital, ( in Club Med as she calls it). However, many of you don’t exactly know what is really going on. We (Okanagan Business Referral Group 4- a group of business professionals Barb is a member of) have asked Barb to share a little bit about what is going on, so that we… her friends and family can circle around and help support her.
Her journey began about two years ago, with a surgery that would eliminate her bowel use. This is called an illiostomy. There were complications, and so this seemingly easy process has led to a life changing journey for her.
Approximately 13 months ago, and a total of 6 surgeries, Barb has been left with an irreversible life changing and life threatening situation. For the last year Barb has needed to go into the hospital 3x a week to receive electrolyte infusions in order to be able to function. In between all these infusions, there have been many times where her kidneys have experienced kidney failure as she has been far too dehydrated. Her last surgery has left her with No bowel, and approximately 14 in. of small intestine.
Her current status is that she is no longer able to absorb any nutrients via her digestive system. As of January this year, and yet another emergency surgery… she requires a life saving I.V. in order for her body to absorb any nutrients at all. Currently she is in the hospital to receive these I.V. treatments that she will require for the rest of her life. She is on a waiting list to be admitted to St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, where she will take part in the home T.P.N. program (Total Parental Nutrition) Following this program she will give herself these life sustaining I.V.'s every evening.
Many of you know Barb to be the bike riding, running around go getter, however, this has slowed her down considerably. She has had to surrender all her counselling clients for the time being, and for how long no one really knows.
We ask you to consider donating any monetary amount you are able to help Barb manage her expenses while she is not able to work and the mounting medical bills. Please also do continue your prayers for Barb's journey.
Barb is struggling in asking for help, it took quite a while and some convincing that it's okay to ask for help as many of you know she's the one usually organizing to help others in their need. Barb's positive attitude while enduring pain and not knowing what will happen has been very inspiring to those around her. Thank you for your help & prayers!
Her journey began about two years ago, with a surgery that would eliminate her bowel use. This is called an illiostomy. There were complications, and so this seemingly easy process has led to a life changing journey for her.
Approximately 13 months ago, and a total of 6 surgeries, Barb has been left with an irreversible life changing and life threatening situation. For the last year Barb has needed to go into the hospital 3x a week to receive electrolyte infusions in order to be able to function. In between all these infusions, there have been many times where her kidneys have experienced kidney failure as she has been far too dehydrated. Her last surgery has left her with No bowel, and approximately 14 in. of small intestine.
Her current status is that she is no longer able to absorb any nutrients via her digestive system. As of January this year, and yet another emergency surgery… she requires a life saving I.V. in order for her body to absorb any nutrients at all. Currently she is in the hospital to receive these I.V. treatments that she will require for the rest of her life. She is on a waiting list to be admitted to St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, where she will take part in the home T.P.N. program (Total Parental Nutrition) Following this program she will give herself these life sustaining I.V.'s every evening.
Many of you know Barb to be the bike riding, running around go getter, however, this has slowed her down considerably. She has had to surrender all her counselling clients for the time being, and for how long no one really knows.
We ask you to consider donating any monetary amount you are able to help Barb manage her expenses while she is not able to work and the mounting medical bills. Please also do continue your prayers for Barb's journey.
Barb is struggling in asking for help, it took quite a while and some convincing that it's okay to ask for help as many of you know she's the one usually organizing to help others in their need. Barb's positive attitude while enduring pain and not knowing what will happen has been very inspiring to those around her. Thank you for your help & prayers!
Organizer and beneficiary
Brigitte Diemand
Organizer
Kelowna, BC
Barb Glad
Beneficiary