Journal entry by Deann Dahl —
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
A little over 3 years ago Ted was diagnosed with End Stage Liver Disease and Liver Cancer. We made the first big step with deciding to fight the battle and endure the medical procedures it would take to save his life. He underwent multiple rounds of Chemo/radiation in order to keep him within the perimeters of University of Minnesota's Solid Organ Transplant Program. One year after receiving the diagnosis of Liver Failure/Cancer, he was put on the Liver Transplant list at UofM. One year and 3 months later, July 7, 2021, Ted received the gift of life and had his liver transplant operation.
Today we celebrate his One Year Anniversary since receiving his gift of life. While some of the days in this journey have been very long, we can look back and see how fast these years have truly flown by. We are incredibly blessed to be surrounded by a strong support system in which keeps each gear moving seamlessly as possible.
The gratitude we have for the organ donor and donor's family is profound. There is absolutely no way imaginable we would ever be able to express our utmost heartfelt appreciativeness and gratefulness. We can only acknowledge their ultimate sacrifice and last gift they gave. Thank you.
We must thank the UofM Solid Organ Transplant Team(s). The level of care we have received before, during, and after have and continues to be exemplary. The constant communication is exceptional, especially since multiple care teams are involved. UofM is the oldest and largest transplant centers in the world. In 2021, they performed a record-breaking 116 liver transplants. We are honored to be part of this program.
A special thank you for every person who contributed to our gofundme. The gofundme was a surprise to us. As we have mentioned before, we are extremely blessed by a strong support system. Our friends and family are part of this support system. The gofundme funds have paid for the transplant surgery, his month-long rehab stay, medication, his ongoing medical expenses, and various other necessary medical expenses.
Thank you for all the visitors who came to UofM during the long duration. While Ted may not remember every visitation, it truly speed up his recovery process. Love and medicine are a good combination.
Ted's transplant has given him time, time that he didn't have before. While monthly trips are still necessary at this time to Minneapolis, this will slowly decrease over time until it becomes an annual visit. Before the transplant, Ted would be unable to do much, and would sit and sleep on the recliner all day. Nowadays you will see him trying out his new 3 wheel bicycle going around the block. He even likes to 'farm' as he tills the 5 acres of black field for fun. But the activity he enjoys most is cracking jokes and spending time with family and friends.
Recycle yourself. Become an organ donor. Register as an organ, tissue and eye donor at organdonor.gov
A single donor can save as many as 8 lives through organ donation, as well as improve the quality of life for up to 75 people through tissue donation.
God Bless and Thank You Again!
The Roers Family
Ted & Paula
3630 56th St S
Fargo ND 58014
ReplyForward
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Ted Stay Connected to Family and Friends
A $25 donation powers a page like Ted's for two weeks.
If you donate by April 17, your gift will doubled, thanks to a matching gift by former CaringBridge board members.
Invite friends and family to visit the site
