Heidi is in Crisis. End-Stage renal failure.
My daughter, Heidi was diagnosed with Diabetes at 8 years old. A tenacious child- she moved through her years with a lust for life, and an indefatigable energy to go for the gusto and be the best she could be- be it brownie scouts, softball, scuba diving, jumping out of airplanes- there were no challenges she turned away from. Never a girl to be in a clique, she has always been inclusive of others- the underdogs, the bullied,- sometimes to her own detriment. Always first to step up when family, friends and work associates needed help- she was always there. She sailed through life with honor, integrity and a giving and joyous heart. And yet, she is such a private person, hesitant to share this crisis; few know. Even me- she wants to protect from worry. (Click see all)
Updates (2)
August 12, 2021
It has-been a long wait. 7 pm August 10th we got the call. Drop "n" Go. An organ match has been identified. We put our action plan into place. Pets are taken to foster homes, bags are packed, trash put out, gas tanks filled, phone calls made.
4:30 AM August 11th: Mile after mile of freeway is driven in long awaited anticipation. And the wait begins for others as well seeking an organ donor. So too- the donor family weeps and makes the ultimate gift so that my daughter and others can live.
Her gift of life- has boarded a private aircraft en route to OHSU in Portland. We wait- watching the hands of time; we listen to the universal musical pattern our brains have arranged- Tick-tock, Tick-tock,Tick-tock, Tick-tock...
11pm. The nurse is notified the transplant team is prepared to receive Heidi. She is readying to roll up to the 6th floor for surgery. With her effervescent smile she gives the thumbs up. She and husband David Bobst are escorted by the transport team down the quiet hospital halls.
Because of the resurgence of Covid- only one can accompany her to pre-surgery room. The door closes and again the slow deliberate and rhythmic sound of the passage of time is deafening. I sit alone- tears roll down my cheek. Tick-tock, Tick-tock, Tick-tock.
August 12th: It is 4:30 AM. Heidi's recovery has not yet begun. However it will not end either. The recovery post transplant doesn't end with the healing of stitches; it is life long.
The doors have not yet swung open with words of success.
One has to admire the strength and character of this young woman- my daughter. A wife, sister, aunt, friend and so much more. Throughout this disease of end stage renal failure and weekly dialysis she still worked as a public servant for the City of Grants Pass. She just passed her twenty years of service. I do hope someone in city hall appreciated her dedication. She will now take a rest as she navigates her new normal.
Please keep her in your prayers and thoughts.
January 25, 2019
There’s a great story about one of Heidi’s passions posted on her Facebook page, Heidi’s Winning Touchdown. Follow this link to find out what it is!
https://www.facebook.com/1991543524476126/posts/1995842470712898/
#scoreone4heidi
Photo Galleries (4)
Guestbook
October 6, 2021
A small gift for a beautiful life.
Mary Faulhaber
September 10, 2021
Hope it helps in your fight!
Adrienne Lilley
September 10, 2021
We love you Heidi❤️
Danielle Rossiter
