An author's understated transplant victory
Jeanne Glidewell exudes energy and classic understatement. She doesn't boast, so it is up to you to ask the questions and learn that she decided to become a writer following her kidney and pancreas transplant three years ago. Just this month, she received notice that her second novel in the Lexie Starr cozy mystery series has been accepted for publication.
At 51, writing seemed like a logical next adventure for someone who already cruised the world twice, traveled five continents, hunts, fishes, enjoys photography, and was an all-around athlete playing college volleyball, softball and basketball. Did homecoming queen or class officer get mentioned? Suffice it to say that Jeanne celebrates daily the gift she received in 2006, alongside Bob, her husband of twenty-five years.
Battling a life-long struggle with diabetes, Jeanne's busy life came to a screeching halt in the summer of 2004. At the time, she and Bob were running their successful business in Cheyenne, Wyoming when she was hospitalized with double pneumonia, anemia, diabetes and other health issues leading to a pulmonary/cardiac arrest which resulted in intubation (A tube inserted in the throat for breathing). She writes, "I was also suffering from an acute case of kidney failure... (In Intensive Care) I was told that I was a perfect candidate for an SPK, or simultaneous pancreas/kidney transplant. I am fortunate that I was born with no fear. It served me well in this instance. I was elated and couldn't wait to get the show on the road." Her spirit is indomitable.
They relocated to Kansas City for family support and to be near The Transplant Institute at Research Medial Center. Jeanne continues, "My waiting time on the list was one week shy of six months. I was anxious in an excited way and felt hopeful every time the phone rang...Due to the diabetic complication known as gastroparesis, I was just concentrating on getting through each day without ending up in the back of an ambulance." During the wait all travel halted and driving ceased after she returned home with a traffic ticket from a trip to downtown Kansas City she did not remember. Bob became her driver and her rock every step of the way. She stands fast that support from spouses, partners, family members and friends is key during the waiting period and post-transplant. "They become your rock, your heroes and your saving grace, alongside your donor and the donor family."
Peggy McGinnis, a social worker at Research Hospital, was part of the team that developed the Life Mentors program for Gift of Life. Knowing that Life Mentors will provide encouragement and support to those waiting for a life-saving transplant; and that their partners and spouses would also help as Life Champions, Peggy immediately recommended Jeanne for the program. Since then, Jeanne has become the Volunteer Coordinator for transplant candidates at Research Medical Center as part of a team with Terrence Brown, also a kidney recipient and Life Mentor.
On the heels of her third transplant anniversary, Life has quieted down for Jeanne and Bob. They have called on transplant candidates as a Life Mentor and Life Champion between trips to Alaska, a Caribbean cruise, Honduras, the Panama Canal and, of course, the annual Crawfish Festival in Louisiana. Jeanne is also providing support during her mother's battle against breast cancer. "My mother always told me, when one door closes, another one opens. I believe in walking through it." That is an understatement.
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