I had a recommendation that my website should be more helpful in letting people know about me. I am ordinarily a very private person, but I will try.
I am the proud mother of 4 children and a licensed Psychologist. I am married to a fantastic person who I can’t believe I am lucky enough to have in my life. I love cats and I am a bit of a nerd. I love science fiction and some of my favorite books are Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. I feel that I have helped some people live happier, fuller lives through my work. I am a domestic violence survivor and the mother of a cancer survivor.
I was born in 1962 and was raised in a small town, primarily by my grandparents. They heavily influence my life to this day, even though they have been gone for many years.
Growing up in the 70s, I listened to the radio and knew the words to all the songs of the day. I still know them today, much to my daughter’s annoyance. She will say some phrase and it will trigger a line from a song and I will start singing–badly. She rolls her eyes. She is a pun master and is always abusing me with painful puns, so the singing is payback, in my mind.
As a young adult, in the 80s, same was true about the music. I had the big hair, much to my embarrassment. My oldest was born and I spent most of my time being a mom. I also, unfortunately, wasted a lot of time doing stupid things that young adults get into- I am thankful every day that there was no Facebook back then. I also started to realize that I had a great deal to offer if I would just apply myself. I went to school and found my career calling.
The 90s, I continued my education, worked full time and had 3 more children.
In 2009, my whole world changed. My daughter was diagnosis with Leukemia. It was an incredibly difficult time for the family. My daughter is fine now, but she was VERY sick for most of 3 years. I think that the experience changed the whole family in many ways, it re-prioritized things for me and her courage had shown me how to better cope with my own illness.
In November of 2012, I was at work. A lady was giving a presentation, and as part of that presentation, she took our blood pressure. Mine was 250/120, which is really high. I was in the hospital the next day and the university hospital the following day. They found that I was in kidney failure; I had less than 15% function, which placed me in stage 5 and eligible to be placed on a transplant list. It is suspected that I have Alport Syndrome, a genetic disorder; this is why family members cannot donate. In 2016 I married my current husband, other than the births of my children; this was one of the happiest days of my life.
I have worked very diligently to stay off dialysis by strict control of my diet and taking the medication prescribed by my doctor.
As of the date of this entry, I have been on the transplant wait list for 4 years, since 4/13. Ordinarily, this is long enough to start getting calls for possible cadaver donors, but due to being type O, I likely have 3 more years to wait. My kidney function is extremely low and will not hold up for an additional three years. I will be on dialysis very soon.
I currently work from home, which I am grateful for every day. I have a little garden that I care for and take walks, at least every weekend. I love being in nature. I could spend an entire day just hiking and enjoying being outdoors. I read often, fiction mostly, and I watch movies and TV with my husband. When I was not sick, I had many hobbies that I hope to get back to when I feel better.
I hope this gives you some insight into who I am. I will try to keep blog entries coming.
About TERESA
Teresa is a mother to four: three young men and a daughter. Eight years ago her then 9-year-old daughter, was diagnosed with leukemia and was hospitalized several hours away from home. Teresa, then a single mother, never left her side. Healing the ravages of chemotherapy, surgeries and other treatments for her near-fatal illness has taken years. Every year in March the family celebrates her diagnosis day and survival. Cherish sometimes reminds us how fortunate all of us are to be alive as she so aptly puts small irritations into perspective. Her 18-year-old maturity and wisdom speak volumes about the quality of mothering she has received. Teresa has worked selflessly to make sure her children are equipped with the knowledge, skills and character to be competent human beings who know, beyond a doubt, that they are loved.
Almost five years ago, Teresa learned she was in renal failure due to never-before diagnosed high blood pressure. Because Teresa has been amazingly diligent in following the directions of her physicians and transplant team, she has managed to postpone the need for dialysis. However, Teresa’s health has begun to deteriorate, and she now needs a kidney transplant. Her family and friends have finally convinced her to permit us to seek a donor through Facebook.
I met Teresa when I volunteered at a domestic violence shelter where she was employed as a psychologist providing counseling to children, adults and entire families who were victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault. Since moving to Maryland several years ago to be with the love of her life, Teresa has worked from home.
Teresa has proven to be a rare friend who is witty and fun, accepting, supportive, and a trusted confidant. Although she is miles away, I know Teresa is always there for me. My dear friend needs a kidney! Please help if you can.
Thank you Patty