Monthly Archives: February 2012

February 12-12-12 Project: The Lesson

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This month’s 12-12-12 project I spent time learning about liver disease and organ donation. This month’s journey has been life and spirit changing. I had the pleasure of interviewing Kim M. who is living with a rare liver disease known as Budd-Chiari Syndrome. I have learned of the importance of organ donation. Check out  OrganDonor.gov to signup to donate a life.

Kim reminded me of a valuable lesson this month. Do not take things for granted, one does not know what tomorrow holds. In love with a special person, tell them. Have a desire to travel? Set a plan in motion to carry out those travel plans. Desiring asking someone special out on a date? Go ahead, ask them out. Need to stand up against a doctor not providing quality care? It is ok to communicate your disapproval. Kim paints a beautiful example of living in the moment:

“We’ll be in the grocery store and he’ll go his way and I go my way and I’ll call him and I’ll be like, “Where are you?” He says, “I’m over here.” I’ll say, “Okay. Love you.” He’s like, “Really? You have to say I love you and I’m going to see you in a minute?” And I will tell him “Yes.” I say “I love you” constantly on the phone. It’s just something that maybe I didn’t do before. Now, I realize what if tomorrow is the day and I didn’t say I love you?”

Special thank you to Kim for being open to sharing her story. Kim, you were a great support to me this month. I’m so glad I got an opportunity to get to know you.

Much love,
Marissa

February 12-12-12- Project Photo/Video Collage #2

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This collage of photos was taken at my Neuro-Optometric rehab appointment. I was rocking my Hope Whispers/Budd-Chiari Syndrome support t-shirt. You can support      12-12-12 project member Kim and purchase a support t-shirt from her Zazzle Store. The proceeds will go to Kim’s transplant fund!

Collage of photo's of Marisa at her Neuro-Optometric rehab appointment

I have included a video where I’m working on one my visual rehabilitation activities. We are working with lenses/prisms to attempt to improve some of my visual balance disturbances.

*WARNING* The video is shaky. May cause visual disturbances.  I am working on getting a better video/camera. :)

Much love,
Marissa

Podcast: February 12-12-12 Project Member Kim M.

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12-12-12 project member Kim M. From Hope Whispers Podcast interview featuring 12-12-12 project member Kim M.

Audio Download

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About Kim:

Kim was born and raised on a tiny island in Pacific Ocean.  Kwajalein was her home until she graduated from High School in 2000.  She spent the next 5 years working at Walt Disney Worlds Animal Kingdom.  Married her high school sweetheart in 04 and entered the world of motherhood the next year.  Kim’s greatest blessing is her family.  Now a mother of 2 boys parenting is a challenge she enjoys.  She began her love affair with photography shortly after her first son was born.  She loves nature and all things outdoors.  She loves life and tries her best to live each day to the fullest!  She started the blog, Hope Whispers, where she documents living with a rare liver disease.

Condition: Budd-Chiari Syndrome

According to The Merck Manual:

“Budd-Chiari syndrome is caused by blood clots that completely or partially block the large veins that carry blood from the liver (hepatic veins) into the inferior vena cave.”

Connect with Kim:

Twitter: @KMunoz28
Blog: http://kmunozbcs.blogspot.com/

Support Kim:

Help Kim raise much needed funds for her liver transplant. Show your support for Kim by rocking Hope4Kim products. Proceeds will go towards Kim’s transplant fund!

Learn more about Budd-Chiari Syndrome, Liver Disease, Organ Donation:

Budd-Chiari

Liver Disease

Organ Donation

Be sure to check out Kim’s fantastic blog Hope Whispers to learn what it’s like living with Budd-Chiari Syndrome.

Much love,
Marissa

 

Audio Transcript: 

Continue reading →

Fantastic Resource On Liver Disease And Liver Transplantation

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February 12-12-12 project focus is on a rare liver disease known as Budd-Chiari Syndrome. According to The Merck Manual:

“Budd-Chiari syndrome is caused by blood clots that completely or partially block the large veins that carry blood from the liver (hepatic veins) into the inferior vena cave.”

February’s featured project member, Kim from Hope Whispers, is living with Budd-Chiari Syndrome. Kim has been placed on the transplant list and is awaiting a liver donation.

My educational journey has led me to a fantastic book on liver transplantation. 100 Q&A About Liver Transplantation: A Lahey Clinic Guide (100 Questions & Answers about).

100 Q&A About Liver Transplantation: A Lahey Clinic Guide (100 Questions & Answers about)

 

This book is a wonderful resource. Kim’s condition and transplant journey left me with several questions that the book was able to answer.

If you are interested in learning more about the liver, transplant lists, medication side-effects, and more, I highly recommend this book.

Much love,
Marissa

Gram Supporting Liver Disease Awareness

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Project 12-12-12 for the month of February is featuring Kim of Hope Whispers. Kim is living with a rare form of liver disease known as Budd-Chiari Syndrome. Kim is going to need a liver transplant. I am spending the month of February learning more about Kim, liver disease, and liver transplantation.

Gram wearing a liver disease awareness support bracelet to her doc appt.

My Grandmother AKA Gram, showing support of Kim. Gram is rocking a liver awareness support bracelet to her doctor’s appointment! Go Gram. May you be inspired to learn about liver disease and prevention. Blessings.

Much love,
Marissa

12-12-12 Project February Photo Collage

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Collage of images taken at doctor appointment of me wearing a liver foundation support t-shirtHere, is a collage of pictures taken at one of my appointments this month. Being able to show support to another condition while still participating in my own health journey is really putting things into perspective!

Thank you Kristin at the San Diego Chapter of the American Liver Foundation. She sent me some fantastic Liver Foundation awareness shirts and a bracelet. An awesome gal!

Much love,
Marissa

* Thank you babe for being the camera man!

12-12-12 Project: February Budd-Chiari Syndrome

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Back view of Budd-Chiari awareness t-shirt

February 12-12-12 Project will focus on condition known as Budd-Chiari Syndrome. It’s a condition I have never heard of. I would venture to say, very few people have heard of this condition.

February’s featured guest is a fantastic woman by the name of Kim M. She runs the blog Hope Whispers where she beautifully chronicles what life is like living with a rare liver disease.

I look forward to spending time with Kim (virtually), passing on the lessons meant to be shared.

Much love,
Marissa

*Please note, this photo is from Zazzle.com. I have purchased the shirt, however not the image show here. The image is property of Zazzle. Zazzle if you need me to remove this image, no worries.