Malina Harvey has been a type 1 diabetic for 25 years. After having two boys, who are now 2 and 5 years old, her body simply began to give out and she developed hypoglycemic unawareness, an extremely dangerous and life threatening condition. A kidney/pancreas transplant is her only option.
When Malina’s blood sugar get too low, she doesn’t feel it and isn’t aware that she needs glucose. This condition is particularly dangerous especially in the evening during sleep. After having a low blood sugar episode there is only have a certain amount of time to be given some form of glucose before passing away. About five years ago, her condition became so bad that she would have a low blood sugar and start- having seizures in the middle of the night. Malina’s mom and husband found her many times near death and had to call 911. About 2 years ago we contacted OU medical center. After tons of testing the OU transplant team decided Malina would be a good candidate for a pancreas transplant and she was placed on the waiting list. During the time period she was waiting for a transplant, her kidney function became worse and she was added to the kidney transplant list too. Now we are just waiting for her life saving transplant.
Updates (3)
November 28, 2016
At my transplant doctor's appointment last week I was told that the one person that is ahead of me on the transplant list got "the call" a few weeks back. He was unfortunately not able to be transplanted however it made me realize that this is real and will happen sooner then later. This journey has been long and hard. I mean really hard. I have had so many ups and downs. I look forward to the day when I won't have to test my blood sugars 10 plus times a day and take 8 plus insulin injections a day. I don't want to sound ungrateful. I feel so blessed that I live in a country where I have access to life saving medicines and hospitals. I'm very blessed and grateful, I'm just tired. Tired and ready. It's almost unreal thinking about getting the call from OU Transplant telling me to come in. It will be a very happy and sad time for me. I will be sad for the family of the person who has passed but so graciously decided to save my life. I will be sad that I will be away from my kids for almost two weeks. Just thinking about that makes me tear up! I will also be so incredibly grateful! So grateful for this gift! A gift at a life of good health. Thank you again to everyone that has been able to donate. Thank you all so much.
March 16, 2016
I was reactivated on the transplant waiting list yesterday!!! I was deactivated 5 months ago because my thyroid was inflamed. When your thyroid levels are too high you have to avoid major surgery or you can have what is called a thyroid crisis or thyroid storm which can cause your heart to stop. For safety reasons I had to be deactivated until my thyroid levels were normal. During those 5 months of being deactivated I gained almost 20 pounds! My doctors were extremely disappointed so I'm back on the weight loss wagon. Please send positive thoughts and prayers my way and eat a greasy cheeseburger for me because it will be a long time before I see one!!! :)
Photo Galleries (1)
Guestbook
January 3, 2017
Hoping and praying that soon you will be on the road to recovery. Keep strong, God is with you. Spending all our love to you and your family from Ohio.
Aunt Lorraine
August 29, 2016
Praying for u
Carl ovall
April 2, 2016
Praying for you Malina. It has been a long struggle I know for you. Praying for you and your precious family.
Sandra Woodward-Angela's Mom
