When I was 14 years old I was Diagnosed with Type I Diabetes.

I kept tight control over the years of my Diabetes, as such, I have never had serious problems with my kidneys,
eyesight or other problems that may affect Diabetics.

My children were born healthy (including the twins, David & Danielle).
They all had normal birth weights

After having Diabetes for 28 years, I started to develop 'Hypoglycemic Unawareness'. I also
developed seizures due to my inability to know when my blood sugars were low.

I had many many near-death experiences, including numerous car accidents, almost drowning in our swimming pool
while having a seizure. I have stopped breathing while having seizures, I have fallen down and hit my
head on the corner of our end table. (Needless to say, that corner of the end table is missing).
Those are just a few experiences over a course of years of seizures.

Our local Volunteer Paramedics knew me by name. They were at our house on a weekly basis.

At the end of the Year 2003 I read about an experimental procedure called an 'Islet Cell Transplant'.
The University Hospital & Clinics in Madison WI was doing Clinical trials.

I found out during my initial consult that I qualified for the transplant!

Our insurance refused to pay for the transplant, so with the help of TAKE THE LEAD and other Dog Fanciers, an
E-Bay Auction and Benefit Fund were set up.
My family was able to raise the money for the transplant with their help and a loan from the Bank.

In YR2005, I had two transplants. The first in April, the second in August.
The surgery is relativley simple and I was home in two days and back to work in 3!

By September of '05, I was off insulin for the FIRST time in 28 years.

As of this writing (2010), my Islet Cells are still going strong and I am now enjoying a life I thought I would never have.

I owe my life to my Husband for staying by my side through all the years of medical problems, to Dr Louis Fernandez
and Dr Jon Odorico my Transplant Doctors, Nancy Radke R.N., my Transplant Nurse Coordinator and last but not least,
the people who signed their drivers license to be Organ Donors/Beneficiaries.
THANK YOU!

Below are links to UWM to learn more about Islet Cell Transplants:

UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL & CLINICS - MADISON WI

UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL & CLINICS - MY STORY