Friends of Kaley Conway: What a difference a year makes...

Monday, November 26, 2012

What a difference a year makes...

On this day last year, I was in ICU on day 6 of my then 7 day life expectancy unless a liver was found to save me. A year ago today, I received that gift of life from an unknown angel. It is because of so many prayers, an incredible medical team, and the person whose life ended and therefore mine began again that I have been blessed to live another year. I may never know why my life was spared but I know that God is not done with me yet. My life has changed immensely this past year and I have through it all learned more about myself, how precious life truly is and that every day is a gift that should not be wasted.

In this season of Thanksgiving, and for the past 365 days I have been blessed beyond measure. But most of all every single day since November 26, 2011 and every day in my future, I will always be most grateful to the person and their family who made the decision to donate his/her organs that saved my life and possibly others as well. I can’t help but think about that family’s past year and the holidays such as Mothers day, birthdays, special moments and now Thanksgiving that they have spent without their loved one. Although I may never meet the family or know who the person was, they will always live on in my mind, heart and body. For this I am truly THANKFUL! As well as to my family, friends, co-workers, medical team and all the people in my life that have supported me, loved me and been so incredibly special in my life---always but especially this past year.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. – John 14.27

1 comment:

ChristyNovember 26, 2012 at 8:24 PM
Such an amazing story that God wrote into your life. So glad you are sharing it, bringing people hope, and providing peace for those making these same decisions! Hope this another year filled with many blessings!
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Contribution Information and Background

If you wish to make a financial contribution towards Kaley's recovery online, please utilize the PayPal DONATE button below. If you prefer to send a check, please make it payable to Kaley Conway and email friendsofkaleyconway@gmail.com for the mailing address.

*Calls, texts and emails are all welcome. People may visit for short periods of time in very small numbers. Since Kaley's immune system is so weak and will continue to be, please do not visit if you have been, feel, think you might be or have ANY symptoms of being sick.

A very condensed version of Kaley's story:

On Monday, November 21st, Kaley was rushed to the emergency room at Dallas Presbyterian Hospital where her medical team found her to be in acute liver and kidney failure with her right lung partially deflated. Arrangements were quickly made to transport her by ambulance to St. Paul’s/UT Southwestern ICU. Upon admission to the ICU, a team of specialists determined that she would need a liver transplant in order to survive and that the liver would have to become available on an emergent basis. They began the task of getting her body healthy enough to be placed on the national liver transplant list. During this time, the medical team confirmed her diagnosis to be medication-induced liver failure, caused by Augmentin, a common antibiotic prescribed for strep throat. The next couple of days included a multitude of critical procedures, including continuous kidney dialysis, pulmonary treatments for her lungs, and stabilizing an acute infection in the kidneys and lungs. Kaley was placed on the national liver transplant recipient list on Thanksgiving day. She entered the list at the top, meaning most critical. In less than 24 hours after being listed, they received a telephone call from the UTSW Transplant Coordinator that they had located a liver, which was a perfect match and in great condition. On Saturday, November 26th, at 8:17 a.m., Kaley was taken to the operating room to receive her new liver. The surgery took 11 hours, and the medical team determined that they would preform a 2nd look-see procedure 2 days later. At the completion of the first surgery, they loosely closed her and took her to the ICU. On Tuesday, November 29th, Kaley had her 2nd and final surgery which took about 3 hours.