Last Saturday's yard sale to benefit Kim's family was a huge success! So many people donated lots of great items, and we took in around $1100 in just 6 hours! In addition, I received other donations to raise the total to $1500! One stranger gave a $100 bill after hearing the details of Kim's situation! I am amazed and thrilled at the goodness of people! And none of this could have happened without my steadfast friends who moved, marked, cleaned, shopped, sorted, and packed up the stuff. Lena, Karen, Sally, Una, Leslie, Bernice, Marilyn--thank you, and to all of you who helped.
Friday night Kim was taken to the hospital after suffering a seizure. She spent the night there, and I knew she would be worrying about the yard sale. Sure enough, she had her husband here bright and early with the tables she had promised. And before she left the hospital she had him back picking them up, along with much of the remaining stuff. She's planning a yard sale for her house this weekend! She says Mel, her husband, will set it up and she and her kids will run it. She never lets up!
She asked me for names of everyone who has donated time and money, in order to write thank you's. I assured her that no one expects that, and she is to concentrate on her health. Every day that she feels well she says, "I've got to find some work." But that isn't reality, and we talk through that.
Monday I drove her to the University of Washington Medical Center for some tests and appointments. FINALLY I think she has a doctor and facility that will oversee her illness. She really cannot get satisfactory treatment here, as there are no specialists for scleroderma.
Kim has lost 30 pounds over the past couple of months. This doctor now fears th
e scleroderma is throughout her stomach, large and small intestines, lungs, and possibly the vessels of the brain, which would explain the seizures and blackouts. Tests next week are to determine the extent. If this is the case, then no surgery will help her. Scleroderma is a dreadful disease.
e scleroderma is throughout her stomach, large and small intestines, lungs, and possibly the vessels of the brain, which would explain the seizures and blackouts. Tests next week are to determine the extent. If this is the case, then no surgery will help her. Scleroderma is a dreadful disease.One occasion really brought Kim joy on Monday. Years ago her older sister gave birth to a baby boy and gave him up for adoption. Kim was about 10 years old, and has never forgotten that. She recently, with her sister's permission, was able to contact the young man through the adoption agency. They've talked over the past weeks, and following the medical appointments we met him and his adoptive 
father for a late lunch. I have never been a part of such a reunion, and it was just wonderful! He is a college graduate, working at Children's Hospital, and just a great young person. Kim thanked his dad for raising him and being there. It was an emotional time, and they will get together again. You can tell from the pictures it was a happy time. Kim was so excited she laughed and talked all the way home!
father for a late lunch. I have never been a part of such a reunion, and it was just wonderful! He is a college graduate, working at Children's Hospital, and just a great young person. Kim thanked his dad for raising him and being there. It was an emotional time, and they will get together again. You can tell from the pictures it was a happy time. Kim was so excited she laughed and talked all the way home! Dear friends, please continue to hold Kim in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.
Gayle
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