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Autobiography of Kena Sawyers |
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To contact us: 521 Washburn Avenue Eden, North Carolina 27288 Phone: 336-623-2371 |
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My name is Kena Sawyers, and I have been on oxygen for over 15 years.
I was eight months pregnant when the doctors decided to send me to the hospital for a chest x-ray. That is when they discovered I had pneumonia and had me admitted to the hospital. After spending a week in Morehead Hospital, where I progressively got worse, I was then transferred to Forsyth Hospital.
On December 7, 1993, upon arriving at Forsyth Hospital, I was told that I would be having a c-section immediately. That is the last thing I remember until around February 17. I had been in a drug induced coma for 3 ˝ months. I wasn’t expected to live, but thru prayers and God’s grace, he gave me a second chance in life and to hold my beautiful baby girl.
When I woke up from my coma, I thought I was paralyzed. By being in a coma for so long, I had to rebuild my strength in my muscles. I had to relearn to walk, talk, and to do everyday tasks.
Now due to my pulmonary fibrosis caused by the pneumonia and ARDS (Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome), I am starting to develop pulmonary hypertension. Without a lung transplant, the hypertension would weaken my heart, and I would have no other options.
So with that change in my health, doctors have advised me to reconsider a double lung transplant. This would in turn keep my heart healthier, and I could go on to have a life without being on oxygen.
I have been exceptionally active and healthy these past 15 years with only 38% lung capacity. I hope that after my transplant, my daughter would get to experience a mother without any physical challenges, and I can resume being a part of this community. _____________________________________________________________
On Sunday, September 20, Kena Sawyers had her Double Lung Transplant. She will need to be in Chapel Hill for three months. Kena will be in the hospital for the first month, but after that she must be within 10 minutes of the hospital. There is a wonderful place called the SECU Family House which provides a home away from home for adult patients being treated with a critical illness like Kena’s. It costs $35.00 a night.
Kena’s insurance does not pay for this, so they are asking for donations. Please make checks payable to the “Kena Sawyers Transplant Fund.” This is a fund at North Spray for Kena. You may bring these to church, or mail them to the church at 521 Washburn Avenue, Eden, NC 27288.
Thank you in advance for your generosity, prayers, and support through this challenging time for Kena and Kayla.
Please continue to keep Kena in your prayers. _____________________________________________________________
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North Spray Christian Church |