Getting to Know Janet

Janet was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes at the age of 16.  She went from being a vivacious member of her Eau Gallie High School band dance troupe to a chronically ill hyperglycemic student on home study within a year.  But she worked hard and, despite her illness, completed her diploma.

Janet began using an insulin pump and her symptoms seemed improved enough when she was 19-years-old to attempt going away to college or hopefully, serve a mission for her church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  It was while she was away from home, taking some college courses that she lapsed into a diabetic coma and was brought back home to Melbourne.  Janet hasn’t known a normal life since.  The debilitating effects of the diabetes also resulted in chronic stomach ailments -- finally diagnosed as Gastroparesis and her stomach was at 0% digestion.  Feeding tubes were necessary to keep her alive.  When her body began rejecting these tubes and infection set in, an alternative experimental treatment was started, Botulinum toxin injected into the pylorus of the stomach.  Unfortunately, this experimental treatment was not covered by her insurance and her medical bills began to grow.  Fortunately, this procedure worked … until recently.  At this time, doctors are working hard to resolve this latest setback for Janet. 

Janet used to love volunteering at the local zoo and hospital when she was able, but eventually, her poor health prevented her from even that small pleasure in life.  She once had dreams of attending a culinary college.  She’s always loved cooking and baking and has an extensive recipe book collection.  Nowadays, she is too weak to cook and bake so she lives it through TV’s Food Network.  Janet also likes turtles, swimming and long hot bubble baths.

In addition to the Gastroparesis, Diabetes has ravaged her body with diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy and renal failure.  Her hospital stays are numerous each year.  She has had surgery to gain back sight in her left eye and is awaiting additional eye surgeries.  Again, insurance does not cover all of the costs for this surgery.

Recently, Janet’s kidney’s failed completely and she began dialysis.  Her insurance does not cover the dialysis completely – over $700.00 per month is Janet’s responsibility.  Needless-to-say, she does not have this kind of money.  She is in need of and awaiting a Kidney/Pancreas transplant at Florida Hospital (Orlando, FL) and the co-pay costs associated with this as well as the post-transplant care for the rest of her life is well beyond her ability to pay without help. 

Janet is the 6^th child in a blended family of 11 brothers and sisters and lives in Melbourne, FL.  She attended W.J. Creel Elementary, Johnson Junior High, and Eau Gallie High schools.  She is one of our own. 

The last 17 years have been a long hard journey for Janet but she knows that all the physical challenges in her life are somehow a part of God’s plan for her.  They have humbled her to appreciate every moment of life, especially the moments that she feels well.  She is excited about having a Kidney/Pancreas transplant.  It is the light at the end of her tunnel and allows her to dream once again of having a chance at a happier life … to be able to experience other pleasures and opportunities and challenges that life has to offer … maybe even love and marriage!