Heidi's Health History

For those of you who are not as familiar with my health history, I have created a summary that specifies several main events that have occurred throughout my life. There have been many challenging times and little details along this journey- sometimes it is even hard for me to recall everything.

In October 1989, when I was 2 ½ years old, I was diagnosed with a rare, adult form of Leukemia (AML). Shortly after I was diagnosed, I underwent many more tests and procedures in order to have a chance at surviving (e.g. total body radiation, over forty blood transfusions, a Bone Marrow Transplant from my brother Steve, and several rounds of Chemotherapy). While these major interventions were necessary to preserve my life, they also were strong enough to take a toll on my heart, and as a result, I developed Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). In the midst of it all, as a result of God's amazing grace, my family was able to rest in the Lord's promises, knowing that he would be the strength of my heart (Psalm 73:26).

Years after my bonemarrow transplant, my health required less attention. However, after a growth spurt in seventh grade, my heart became weaker. Fortunately, medicines controlled my symptoms for a time. As my symptoms progressed in high school, I was able to take additional medicines to help my heart function properly.

Over the years my family and I have felt overwhelming support from our extended family, friends, church and doctors. We are all so appreciative of the many prayers, encouraging words, and support.

Although this journey has not been easy or convenient, it has not stopped my family and I from doing what we love most! I am a fighter and continue to run this race with trust and faith in the Lord, even when I feel I cannot see the road ahead. As a result of these challenges, I have learned that I cannot complete this race on my own and that nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37)!

My health did not kept me from enjoying many life events that kids my age participated in, such as, the sport of Ice Dancing, ballet, hiking mountains (I climbed to the top of Mount Washington at the age of six!), and camping.

More recently, I completed my first semester of my Senior year at Trinity Christian College and look forward to beginning my Student Teaching soon. I also have enjoyed cooking in my Trinity off-campus apartment, being a part of women’s ministries, enjoying fellowship with close education program peers, and working with special needs students in my recent teaching placements.

My hope is that this health history summary will help you to more fully understand God's hand at work in my life as my family and I continue to rejoice in these trials.

Romans 5:1-5, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

Please feel free to take a look at the welcome post or other posts in the archive to read about what is happening currently.

In His Love,

Heidi