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Proudfits discuss liver transplant at Golden K meeting

Vance Uhazie, left, Golden K member and program chairman, with Sue and Gary Proudfit. They spoke on her health issues and liver transplant experience.

KINGSFORD — A bright spot on a rainy spring day was the Monday morning meeting with the Golden K seniors. Vance Uhazie began the meeting leading the group in the “Pledge of Allegiance” followed by singing “God Bless America.” Alyce Derwinski got the piano warmed up and Margaret Trudell took over the directing for the day. “Seems Like Old Times” and “Sentimental Journey” were two songs very appropriate for the occasion.

Guests Sue Soltis, Sue and Gary Proudfit were welcomed. With no general meeting scheduled for May 29, wishes for Happy Birthdays coming in June are Paul Ward, June 3, John Aune, June 4 and Happy Anniversary to Jim and Barbara Verrette, June 2.

Margaret Trudell was the lucky 50/50 winner and Uhazie had this Thought for the Day “Sunday School teacher asked a young boy, ‘Do you know what happens to boys who use bad language when they play marbles?’ ‘Oh yes,’ replied the boy. ‘They grow up to be golfers.'”

Uhazie then introduced Sue Proudfit and her husband, Gary. Sue spoke on her experience with a serious health issue and the journey towards receiving a liver transplant. This journey was not an easy one. From the onset of something was happening to her health and no sure diagnosis to years down the road with signs of a serious problem becoming more and more evident.

With no clear direction where her health was going, this meant many appointments to her doctor and other specialists until the final outcome — her liver was showing signs of malfunction.

Liver enzymes were steadily elevating, she had suffered severe cramping — extreme tiredness and became jaundiced before finally the diagnosis. “NASH” a NonAlcoholic SteatoHepatitis meant she needed a liver transplant.

As she digested this news and continued to see specialists who monitored her symptoms while things were progressing rapidly she also was informed of the age factor being a high risk for successful surgery. There are many factors that enter the picture of failing health and transplant surgery looming in the future. The idea she was close to the high risk age for this type of surgery did nothing to lessen the worry, as any mother does, how would all this affect her family.

Time quickly progressed to a midnight ride in the AirLifeline to the hospital for arrival at 2 a.m. with surgery immediate. With the plane arrangements by one of her children, the rest soon to follow and her husband, Gary there for support. She was soon in the hands of a capable staff at the Mayo Hospital.

Surgery, recovery and therapy came by the day, which became weeks and then turned into months. With the encouragement of husband, Gary and family by her side she progressed positively.

Having the Gift of Life Hospitality House available, knowing your vulnerable immune system was protected by a strict sterilized environment brought ease and comfort to the healing process. Gary was awed by the other patients and their stories of recovery from major surgeries and those awaiting transplants.

After months of hospitalization Sue returned home to complete her healing. She gained a new perspective on the value of life — family. A greater appreciation for donors who give renewed life to others.

Today Sue is rejoicing in her continued good health and as her strength becomes stronger she is anxious to share that with the Mayo Team, those people who put her on the road to a second chance of life and the ability to enjoy the family activities again.

The Golden Throats will sing June 7 at Victorian Pines. There will be no general meeting May 29 due to the holiday. The next general meeting at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford will be June 5 with Dr. Dane Baker OD, speaker.

Golden K members are reminded to keep the May 30 date, picnic for the special needs children at City Park on their calendars. Members are asked to gather at the pavilion at the park about 8:30 s.m. to begin setting up before the children arrive.

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