January 13, 2015
It's been a few months since my last update. As usual, much has happened --we've made some progress and we've had a few set-backs.
But before getting into any details, Jasmine and I must THANK all of you who have there for us emotionally, spiritually, and financially.
October 8, 2014
A lot has happened since our last update.
The good news is that Jas has been officially placed on the Kidney Waiting List. This is important because a key component of getting a kidney from a cadaver donor is accumulating time on the list, so getting that ball rolling is a huge milestone. The current average wait-time on the list is 5 years, so every day matters.
The less than good news is that Jasmine's fistula graft has failed to develop properly, so we are back to square one with regard to getting her prepared for dialysis. We are consulting various doctors about how to re-approach creating a viable dialysis access for her.
Most importantly, she feels ok. Not great, but ok. She is just getting over a nasty bout with acute pancreatitis. The doctor said today her blood work indicates that it seems to have passed, but she will have an MRI next week just to be sure.
Jasmine and I are so very grateful for the support so many of you have given her as she continues this journey. The contributions many of you have made have made a big difference. My next update in a few days will talk about how these contributions have made this very difficult time a bit easier for us. Every dollar makes a huge impact, so thanks so much to all who have given or who plan to give.
And, of course, if anyone has any questions regarding giving the Gift of Life by being a living kidney donor, please call the Westchester Medical Center Tranplant Center at 914.493.1990. They keep all inquiries confidential. They don't even tell us about who calls.
August 13, 2014
Jasmine is back home recovering from her latest hospitalization.
She is recovering from phlebitis that developed from the IV she had in her right hand for 6 days while hospitalized, and she still has knee and shoulder pain of unknown origin. Lyme disease has been ruled out, but she is anemic and has a Vitamin D deficiency, so we still have some work to do.
Still, her spirits are fairly high and she is eager to start regaining her mobility.
She's the toughest person I know, and I love her more than words can say. Thanks again to everyone who has helped with contributions and words of encouragement. We are both so grateful...
August 3, 2014
The past month has been an eventful one.
Jas has had and recovered from pneumonia, has had two sleep studies and is currently hospitalized for sudden severe joint pain.
Her kidney function has been yo-yo-ing a bit between 15% of function and 21%, averaging around 18%.
She seems to recovering nicely from her AV graft fistula surgery in her left arm, which will facilitate dialysis when that day comes. It takes 3-4 months for the graft to heal & mature, so her current kidney function -- although compromised and diminished -- is a godsend right now.
Although it's probably just a few months, the time that we have between now and the day when her kidney stops yo-yo-ing and just continues to drop gives all of us an opportunity to find a way, any way, to get involved and help her on this journey.
You can suggest a cool fundraiser, become a fundraising team member or team leader, make a tax deductible donation, or just post words of support on this page.
Regardless of what you can do, we love and thank you from the bottom of our hearts! More updates to come soon!
Love,
Barry & Jasmine
July 2, 2014
Thank you so much to everyone who has started to get involved with our campaign to help Jasmine get through this difficult time.
The response so far has been heartwarming and generous. I will soon send personal thanks to our first round of donors, but to all of you now: thank you, thank you, thank you!
We still have a long way to reach our goals, but we are already seeing results. Friends sharing Jasmine's story with their own sets of friends, long lost relatives reaching out to give words of support, and friends and family leaving encouraging words on this site all show us how much Jasmine is loved.
So please keep up the amazing work. Share Jasmine's journey with your friends, family, and community. And, if you are in a position to do so, please help in any way you can. Every little bit helps so much!
Thanks again from the bottom of our hearts!
