My dear wife Margaret Girgenti (formally Margaret Grasso) and I are originally from Long Island, NY (Lindenhurst), and moved to the Charlotte area about 25 years ago. What you may not know is that Margaret has had to face many medical issues over the past 10 to15 years, among them diabetes. More recently she was diagnosed with NASH (Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis), the inflammation of the liver caused by a buildup of fat. NASH can then lead to cirrhosis and in Margaret’s case it has. She is in need of a lifesaving liver transplant.
Margaret has gone through a battery of tests. Fortunately, her doctors at Duke University have determined she is a good candidate for a liver transplant and have placed her near the top of the waiting list. We’re hopeful the transplant is not far off now.
Updates (13)
January 24, 2015
Dear Family and Friends
Its been almost 12 weeks since my liver transplant surgery. I wanted to give you an update and share some photos. The recovery process has been slow, however I can see my progress, and I have mostly medicine issues right now.
Latest results are that the kidney function tests are still elevated liver is doing well, and the anti-rejection meds are working but have to take more than you can image as levels are low. In addition anemic and waiting on how this will be treated.
On our way back to Duke on Wednesday, and will be seeing the Liver and Kidney Transplant doctors. Ready for a long day at Duke. Our trips back and forth are hopefully going to decrease to 3 times a year in the future. For now we will see.
I wanted to thank everyone for the prayers, and all of you are in mine as well. Please continue to keep us in your prayers and pray that my Journey will continue to show improvements and allow me to enjoy the wonderful gift of life.
Please see the pictures of the progress.
Love and God Bless You
Margaret
January 1, 2015
2015 Update and Margaret and Sal
2015 Update and Margaret and Sal
Hope you had a nice Christmas and New Year. We kept ours quiet and simple. Did not make it till midnight but celebrated this morning with a nice breakfast at home. Margaret and I are enjoying our time with the boys (Joseph and Christopher) who have been home from college on winter break. Last semester coming up for them. Big graduation coming in May of 2015.
I am eager to working my Real Estate Business once again, and looking forward to a very successful 2015. I will work from home as much as possible to continue to help Margaret with her recovery. I will go into the office a few hours a week. Anyone looking to buy or sell a home, feel free to contact me, no matter where you live. Please pray for our family as we transition back into the swing of things.
Joseph and Christopher will be updating their recent accomplishments and what they will be doing in the future. Stay tuned, way too much to mention. Despite the stress and worry during the last few years, the boys managed to stay focused on school, and have done remarkably well and will both graduate with honors. Back to school next week already.
Margaret will start outpatient rehab next week, with weights to help build lost muscle. She has lost 80lbs now 2 months into the transplant. Kidneys are not quite up to par, and she will be seeing her Kidney Dr. at Duke to get a game plan. Iron level is still low at times, and may need to have transfusions here and there. We are heading out to Duke on January 7th for labs and Liver Surgeon follow, an-up and treatments. Margaret eager to write a book about her experiences and to continue to get the word out about Organ Donation to save lives. She realized that life is very precious and that we must help one another. Consider becoming an Organ Donor today.
By the way not sure if I mentioned this or not, a new Day Care/Adult Care center just opened up near our home. Marg is excited as she will go a day or two a week for a few hours, while I am at the office. She is excited to learn poker and gin rummy again (LOL). At least she will get to see people and have some fun – as they cater to patients who are recovering from transplants. She will be safe there.
Praying for all of you this New Year! God Bless You!
Guestbook
September 30, 2014
You don't know me, but I saw this campaign on Facebook via a friend's post. I am in my last semester of nursing school and completely understand about money being tight and the struggles of being underinsured. I felt compelled to contribute the little bit I could. I wish you both the best and I will keep you in my prayers!
Cathy Beer
September 9, 2014
My father received his gift of life March 30th 2012... (liver transplant) I know the financial burden can be crushing and hard to deal with when you are immersed in a medical nightmare... praying for your family. ..
Wendy Zimms Brennan
September 3, 2014
Dear Margaret, I love you so much. I want nothing more for you to get the chance to continue life! Praying for a successful liver transplant soon!!!
Sal GIrgent Jr.
