Three year mark!

On November15, 2014 it was three years since our son had Pancreatic Cancer surgery, at the age of 29!  He is a survivor! November 15th he started his 4th-year post-op cancer free!  Words cannot describe how saying, hearing, and writing those words...cancer-free-survivor resonates in my heart! 

One of my all-time favorite scriptures is "and she (Mary) treasured all these things in her heart" (Luke 2:19). I have an overflowing heart of treasured things and at these "anniversary" times I am filled with many emotions!  Since Matt was given this 2nd chance, he has been diligent to fight for the 96% that learn they have pancreatic cancer, but don't survive.  He has become their voice.  This cause is his cause. He has been very influential in getting proclamations throughout our towns in our state of Delaware for November to be recognized as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.  He and the affiliate group travel to the state and country levels of government to be the voice for those who can't, for more awareness, as well as funding for more research to find more ways for detection, and eventually a cure. 

I'm able to see all of this in action and be a small part of the efforts through our support and volunteering beside him.  One promotion that all of the affiliates made aware through social media and other forms of advertisement, was World Pancreatic Day and that is a day where all are asked to wear #PurpleWithAPurpose.  Personally seeing all those friends, co-workers, acquaintances that participated was a mixed-blessing.  Many wore in honor of our Matt, in honor of his passion, his purpose, his 2nd chance, as well as those that are fighting and those that fought until the end!  My emotions, once again, on that day, were had to explain but, again...I treasured and pondered them all in my heart!

Thankful for each day that our family is given.  It may be a great day, or an okay day, but we all know that it is a gift and we all try to use it in a manner worthy of the gift.

Here's to 2nd chances, or as I define it, 2nd purposes (reasons for all things).  Happy 3rd and welcome 4th! #wagehope

Happy 3-years Cancer Free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Delaware's Governor Jack Markell signing the Proclamation declaring the state of Delaware recognizing November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month!  Some of the Delaware Affiliate Group.

Purple-Light-The-Night October 2014 (Congressional Hall, Dover, DE)

2014 Wilmington Walk: Team Wilson/Wilmington University Team - National Kidney Foundation

Our team is SO CLOSE to our 2014 goal for Sunday's walk here in Wilmington, Delaware.  Please click on this link below and donate any amount that you are able to continue to make resources for our community accessible, as well as partial monies which go to the foundation at large for ongoing research on kidney disease.  Our team thanks you in advance. ~Tina Wilson



2014 Wilmington Walk: Team Wilson/Wilmington University Team - National Kidney Foundation

Anniversary Day

Three years and not a day goes by that we aren’t grateful for the unconditional gift we were given on Sept 27, 2011! Today three years today, Stephanie Moglia (AKA- “our angel”) laid down her life for my husband, so he could continue to have a long, healthy extended life! After three years, “THANK YOU” doesn’t seem adequate.  

 

HAPPY 3^rd ANNIVERSARY!!    Jim continues to do well and he continues to be described as “boring, “poster-patient”.  We both know, but him especially how truly “non-boring” his story is.  Many that are dealing with kidney failure do not have a donor in place or even a remote possible donor. Those dealing with kidney failure are mostly likely surviving through dialysis treatments, which Jim did not have to eve begin before his kidney donation. Jim continues to work on staying healthy, sharing his story through personal testimonies as well as both of us working with the NKF, and other community health awareness groups. That’s the best way we know how to put our “THANK YOU” into an active state.  This gift is not taken lightly in our family; it is a blessing!

 

As last year, Jim, along with our daughter and a group from Wilmington University participated in the Bike-to-the-bay.  We also participated in the Pancreatic Walk/5K for Wilmington, as well as in about 15 days we, as a family and others friends and co-workers, will be participating in the Annual Wilmington Kidney Walk/5K.  Our hearts are to serve and make a difference.  We know that 2^nd chances are to be used for the good and may this active use also be a way of saying, “THANK YOU”.

SO, Happy 3^rd Anniversary Jim and Stephanie! The gift of one of her strong healthy kidneys to replace Jim’s very weakened kidney is still humbling, amazing and incredible to us. Stephanie’s “gift”, without hesitation still leaves my mind searching for more words to show and say THANK YOU STEPHANIE

 

 

“We know what true love looks like because of Jesus. He gave His life for us, and He calls us to give our lives for our brothers and sisters.” 1John 3:16.

 

 

2014 Wilmington Walk: Tina and Jim Wilson - National Kidney Foundation

Join us to reach our personal goal for our team!  The 2014 kidney walk is just around the corner (Sunday Oct 12th).  Any amount is welcomed, but if you aren't sure how about donating $30.00.  The meaning behind this donation: on September 27th it will be 3 years since Jim received his kidney from his live donor.  Jim and Stephanie are doing great.  What a perfect way to make a huge difference!  It only takes a click to donate.  If you can walk with our team, register when you donate.  Thanks!



2014 Wilmington Walk: Tina and Jim Wilson - National Kidney Foundation

2.14.12

A great blessing and a quick update on Matt from his own words:

"Just got back from my 3 month check up (including CT scan and blood work). Everything came back positive and I do not need another check up for another 6 months. I can also begin to add more normal activities back in (slowly). So everything is progressing very well!"

The oncologist was very pleased with what he did and didn't see on the CT and all is going very well for Matt's recovery. 

~Tina

1.17.12

This will be the last post on this particular blog.  It is now 2 months post-op for Matt and he is doing well, though he still tires sooner than he would like, but as his oncologist said today, "you are almost at a turning point", in regards to his healing.  He will continue to see great improvement with each passing month.  As for his appoint today, all things went very well and the oncologist will be monitoring Matt for a few months, followed by his surgeon from Jefferson for yearly checkups over the next 5 years! He is looking forward with great expectation of what lies ahead for him personally, spiritually, and professionally.  He is at a very good place in his life. GIG Thank you for the ongoing prayers for him as he prepared for the surgery and throughout his recovery. I know even without this blog your prayers will continue!

Jim is doing well and  he is balancing his recovery with his fulltime work schedule.  Thank you again for the prayers that began early in September (and some of you have been praying for him alot longer than that because you were aware of the situation) and have continued throughout his recovery!  THANK YOU and as I said in regards to Matt, I have no doubt that you will continue the prayers.

Thank you for being a part of our Amazing Gifts!  We truly could not have gotten through with the strength, peace, confidence that we did without your most important part--continually praying for our entire family.  We are blessed to have such a network of support!  GISG

~Tina  "I thank my God every time I remember you." ~ Phil 1:3

12.28.11

The past several months have been life changing to say the least!  I have seen God's guidance, healing, and comfort grow in me through Jim and Matt's surgeries.  The last several months have also shown me something that I've tried to express in my other (personal) blog about enjoying and learning something every day for the blessings as well as the unexpected events that are in my 24-hour time frame.  My hope in His plan, and His way has grown stronger as well.

I can not say that I have had days throughout these last several months where my heart was heavy, the tears poured quickly from my eyes, but I can say with confidence, my Hope in the planned outcome never faltered.

I "preached my little sermon" to basically show you all that have been following this blog, that it is because of your prayers, support, encouragement we have all grown in our walk and are changed for the good because of these experiences.

Matt has been back at his condo since Christmas night and is doing well.  He will not be able to lift anything heavier than a typical grocery bag for some time and will not be able to start back to his exercise training for awhile as well, but he is able to drive and walk as often as possible.  He can begin his regular routine with the stipulations mentioned about.  He continues to listen to his body and over a period of time his stamina is getting better. He will be having followup visits with a local oncologist and regular followups with his internist as well as a yearly exam with Dr. Lavu (Jefferson-surgeon) for the next 5 years.  As we have mentioned to Matt, God has great plans for his life.  He has a definite purpose in mind for just Matt.  Matt definitely realizes this and sees how blessed his life truly is and is looking forward to the adventures that are coming his way. GIG

Jim continues to do well and we have an appointment this Friday which is not only a regular transplant appointment, but we are looking forward to getting the biopsy results from Jim's 3-month routine kidney biopsy procedure.  We are not expecting any issues and are thankful for how things continue to progress for Jim.  He continues to work on building his stamina and he is very compliant, as he was before his surgery...all signs of uneventful, success recovery.

Thank you for the prayers, thoughts, encouragements.  This will probably be one of the last posts I will do on this particular blog.  I'd love for you to follow my babblings on my personal blog if you choose to from time-to-time.  http://livingrlivestogether.blogspot.com/

May you look forward to the blessings, known and unknown that are planned for you and yours in 2012.  God is in control and I'm so thankful that He is.

~Tina