The Glenn Family Fund
Donation protected
Where do I even begin? The first thing you should know about my family is that it takes a lot for us to ask for help. We rally around each other, we always have. We do what we can to help before the question can even be asked. Countless flights to Florida, sending packages, doing whatever we can within our means to help one another. There comes a time when we realize that this is bigger than us, this is bigger than our family and it’s okay to ask for a little help.
I am the niece of John and Sharon Glenn, both former Ansonia, CT natives now residing in Jensen Beach, FL. I want to share their story and thank you in advance for any prayers or help you can give. A little goes a long way!
My Uncle John E. Glenn II was diagnosed in 2008 with chronic Kidney Disease, a complication from Juvenile Diabetes and he was immediately put on dialysis. Since then he has had numerous surgeries and transplants. Every trip to Shands Transplant Center in Gainesville, Florida is roughly 235 miles about a 3 ½ - 4-hour drive from their home. At the time of his diagnosis 3 of their 4 children were under the age of 14. You can probably imagine the strain on them from missing work, being away from their kids, missing out on games and important milestones throughout the years.
Timeline of Transplants/Surgeries
November 1, 2009 – Kidney & Pancreas transplant
4 days after surgery the Pancreas Rejected
June 26, 2010 – Pancreas Transplant
December 25, 2010 * Christmas Day – Kidney Rejection (emergency removal)
May 20, 2012 – Fingertip amputation
October 27, 2012 – Liver and Kidney Transplant
Since his successful liver and kidney transplant in 2012 there have been numerous setbacks that put him back in the hospital; infections and even suffering a minor heart attack. It’s been a long and bumpy road but they have been managing as best they could. The medical bills continued to pile up but we had faith that things would get better from here. Sharon had a great career as a manager in the Hotel and Tourist Industry and due to frequent health complications John maintained his position as a “stay at home dad.” There was no reason at this point to think it wouldn’t get better from here.
Earlier this year Sharon lost her job. Being the provider for the family, she spent most of this year without pay and most importantly without health insurance for the family. John has had 2 trips to the ER and overnight stays in the hospital since she lost her job, not to mention the cost of his medication and most importantly his anti-rejection medication.
I am writing this yes, for my Uncle who has been to hell and back but each word I type I am thinking of my incredible Aunt Sharon. She is the glue to this family and she is the strongest person I know. She has held it together for our family when everyone would understand if she fell apart. She has sacrificed so much yet she has the most positive outlook out of anyone I know and that stems from her strong faith. Time and time again she has reassured us all that it will be okay and now it’s my time to give her that peace of mind that she will be taken care of. Somehow the strain of their daily financial struggles will become less of a burden.
This past week she did receive some relief in her relentless job search. She got a part time job at a department store.
This brings me to today, October 17, 2014. As I write this, my uncle is being transported from a local hospital to Shands Hospital in Gainesville, FL. Another 235-mile ambulance ride. Being a transplant recipient any signs of fever and chills can be a possible rejection and the transplant center needs to rule out any complications with his new organs.
It’s hard to see your loved ones in need or struggling, I know anyone reading this can relate. I understand that everyone has their battles but I personally need to know that I did everything in my power to help my family. Thank you for taking the time to read this, any help or shares or prayers is greatly appreciated!!!
With Love,
Amanda
Wanted to share a few pictures!
After transplant surgery
Kade feeding his Dad some ice chips!
One of the many Holidays spent in the hospital, but they still manage to put on a smile and have some fun!
December 2010, New Years Eve
Midnight!
Had to get a picture on here with COOPER :)
(John, Casey, Tory, Kade, John, Sharon) * GO FALCONS!
I am the niece of John and Sharon Glenn, both former Ansonia, CT natives now residing in Jensen Beach, FL. I want to share their story and thank you in advance for any prayers or help you can give. A little goes a long way!
My Uncle John E. Glenn II was diagnosed in 2008 with chronic Kidney Disease, a complication from Juvenile Diabetes and he was immediately put on dialysis. Since then he has had numerous surgeries and transplants. Every trip to Shands Transplant Center in Gainesville, Florida is roughly 235 miles about a 3 ½ - 4-hour drive from their home. At the time of his diagnosis 3 of their 4 children were under the age of 14. You can probably imagine the strain on them from missing work, being away from their kids, missing out on games and important milestones throughout the years.
Timeline of Transplants/Surgeries
November 1, 2009 – Kidney & Pancreas transplant
4 days after surgery the Pancreas Rejected
June 26, 2010 – Pancreas Transplant
December 25, 2010 * Christmas Day – Kidney Rejection (emergency removal)
May 20, 2012 – Fingertip amputation
October 27, 2012 – Liver and Kidney Transplant
Since his successful liver and kidney transplant in 2012 there have been numerous setbacks that put him back in the hospital; infections and even suffering a minor heart attack. It’s been a long and bumpy road but they have been managing as best they could. The medical bills continued to pile up but we had faith that things would get better from here. Sharon had a great career as a manager in the Hotel and Tourist Industry and due to frequent health complications John maintained his position as a “stay at home dad.” There was no reason at this point to think it wouldn’t get better from here.
Earlier this year Sharon lost her job. Being the provider for the family, she spent most of this year without pay and most importantly without health insurance for the family. John has had 2 trips to the ER and overnight stays in the hospital since she lost her job, not to mention the cost of his medication and most importantly his anti-rejection medication.
I am writing this yes, for my Uncle who has been to hell and back but each word I type I am thinking of my incredible Aunt Sharon. She is the glue to this family and she is the strongest person I know. She has held it together for our family when everyone would understand if she fell apart. She has sacrificed so much yet she has the most positive outlook out of anyone I know and that stems from her strong faith. Time and time again she has reassured us all that it will be okay and now it’s my time to give her that peace of mind that she will be taken care of. Somehow the strain of their daily financial struggles will become less of a burden.
This past week she did receive some relief in her relentless job search. She got a part time job at a department store.
This brings me to today, October 17, 2014. As I write this, my uncle is being transported from a local hospital to Shands Hospital in Gainesville, FL. Another 235-mile ambulance ride. Being a transplant recipient any signs of fever and chills can be a possible rejection and the transplant center needs to rule out any complications with his new organs.
It’s hard to see your loved ones in need or struggling, I know anyone reading this can relate. I understand that everyone has their battles but I personally need to know that I did everything in my power to help my family. Thank you for taking the time to read this, any help or shares or prayers is greatly appreciated!!!
With Love,
Amanda
Wanted to share a few pictures!
After transplant surgeryKade feeding his Dad some ice chips!One of the many Holidays spent in the hospital, but they still manage to put on a smile and have some fun!
December 2010, New Years EveMidnight!Had to get a picture on here with COOPER :)(John, Casey, Tory, Kade, John, Sharon) * GO FALCONS!
Organizer
Amanda Lyn
Organizer
Ansonia, CT
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