This race has been long, challenging, and not to mention the physical, emotional, and economic impact on the family. In 2005, she was diagnosed with diabetes and put on Metformin. The diabetes’ progression resulted in her taking insulin 70/30 twice per day in 2014. Subsequently, in January 2016, she had to be escorted to the Emergency Room at George Washington Hospital, where she was officially diagnosed with Renal Failure, requiring immediate dialysis. For Pansy, adjusting to dialysis was difficult and challenging. Not only was it painful, but the physiological transformation lack of energy, inability to continue activities that she admired, and slowly her loss of independence brought on sleepless and tearful days and nights.
Thinking that this was the worst that can happen to her, the diabetes continued to progress and started affecting her vision. In October 2017, she became legally blind. This was a moment I would not wish on anyone. We could only hold each other and cry. The doctors had to leave the room affording us time to regroup. Emotionally, Pansy wanted to give up on life. As a loving husband, I could not allow that to happen. I prayed and asked God to guide us. We prayed and talked out our feelings with each other night and day. In spite of our conditions, we were able to unconditionally and lovingly provide the support for each other that created a foundation to start working toward healing. I must also thank the patients at the dialysis center, family, and neighbors that provided undue support to us.
Pansy has been an honest and loving person her whole life. Whatever she loved doing, she did it with compassion, dedication, and gave 100%. As a soul mate, it was my responsibility to take as much weight off her as possible. To date, we have never missed a treatment or doctor’s appointment. I administer to her all medications, manage all refills, and provide transportation to all treatments and appointments. I unselfishly trust no one other than myself because I know I had no space for error/excuse. Pansy was also placed on the active transplant list at Georgetown University Hospital MedStar. In our minds, everything is in place. However, economically we continued to struggle (robbing Peter to pay Paul). We began contemplating a demographic change that may give us a new start. We were informed by the hospital that she would not lose her acquired time on the Kidney Transplant List. In 2018, we agreed to sell our home and relocate to Conway, South Carolina. The dialysis center took care of the dialysis transfer. Pansy was able to get on the transplant list at MUSC in Charleston, South Carolina. New health providers were found and we continued to apply the same love, compassion, compliance, and dedication. Pansy has been on dialysis in excess of 3.5 years. Pansy’s monthly lab/blood work continues to be excellent.
Pansy’s diabetes was passed on through genetics from her mother. Two of the five children were diabetic with Pansy being the only one on dialysis. Pansy has always been active (cheerleader in high school; and she was active in the community gym). This illness was totally unexpected. Today, she still asks God “why me”?
In conclusion, the struggle has gotten a lot better. Prayers have been answered and compliance is paying off. A number of calls from MUSC have been directing Pansy to prepare for the transplant (pack a bag to include items as dictated to her by the Social Worker). A date to meet with the transplant team has been scheduled. Pansy has health insurance; however, many transplant expenses are surprisingly not covered, such as co-payments for certain medications, hotel, and transportation. Pansy has been told to anticipate at least $3,000.
Donations to Help Hope Live (non-profit fundraising solution that helps with transplants) can help ease the financial burden of Pansy’s transplant and allow the focus to be on a healthy recovery and a long life ahead with her family. Pansy is very excited and impatient. She is so ready to start a new life. We thank all of you who find this purpose a worthy cause.
Family and friends of Pansy Waters are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.
Pansy has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
