Story Highlights

• During “Larry King Live,” dozens e-mail offering to see whether they are a match
• Singer to Larry King: “I’m on a very long list, which is why we are looking to donors”
• Natalie Cole says she was diagnosed with hepatitis C in February 2008
• She links the illness to her struggles to stop using cocaine and heroin

(CNN)—Singer Natalie Cole told CNN’s Larry King she is searching for a kidney after an illness caused both of her kidneys to fail.

Singer Natalie Cole continues to tour, despite being on dialysis three times a week.

Before she finished telling King Tuesday night about her battles with drugs, illnesses and her search for a kidney, dozens of e-mails flooded the CNN studio.

They were all offers from people saying they would get tested to see whether their kidney could be donated.

King handed a thick stack of paper to Cole.

“These are all e-mails from dozens — dozens of people offering to be tested to see if they can match, who want to give you a kidney,” King said.

Cole stared at the papers for a moment.

“There are some great human beings out there. That’s all I can say,” Cole said.

“I’m on a very long list, which is why we are looking to donors,” said Cole, the daughter of legendary crooner Nat King Cole.

Cole said her kidney troubles date back to February 2008 when she was diagnosed with hepatitis C. Cole said she attributes the hepatitis C from her well-publicized struggles to stop using cocaine and heroin. Cole said she has been sober for some time now after two stints in a rehabilitation clinic.

Cole said she underwent chemotherapy in an aggressive way to fight the virus. Within four months of getting chemotherapy, both of Cole’s kidneys failed.

“I couldn’t breathe. I — I went into — literally, my kidneys stopped functioning. They stopped, you know, processing the fluid that was starting to build up in my body.”

Since then, Cole has been on dialysis three days a week and has been searching for a kidney, she told King in one of the first public interviews about the issue.

Cole won six Grammy awards for her 1991 critically acclaimed album “Unforgettable ... With Love ,” a jazzy tribute to her father. She won a Grammy this year for her new album “Still Unforgettable” and another Grammy for her work on another album.

Cole said that she has still been able to tour this year even with her kidney ailment.

“I have been on dialysis in Istanbul, Milan, Indonesia, Manila, London. It’s — it’s amazing,” Cole said.

Court Appointed Special Advocates, otherwise known as CASA, fulfills its mission by ensuring that abused and neglected children are provided with every available opportunity to begin a journey into healthy, productive lives. By introducing caring, responsible adults trained as advocates into their lives, they help break the cycle of abuse and neglect. By engaging trained volunteers, they empower people in the community to place children’s needs and well-being as a priority.

We broke routine this evening and attended the World-Class, Black Tie, CASA Gala at the Hyatt Monterey which included a silent and live auction, dinner and Big Band entertainment.  The evening fundraising event raised significant dollars and broad community awareness for the great work of CASA. 

Pictured above are Norbert Releker and his wife, Michelle.  Norbert is a good friend, a client and the General Manager of Chaminade of Santa Cruz.  Norbert serves on the board of directors of CASA.

Casting the chronic nausea and fatigue aside, Irene looked great and really enjoyed the extended evening ....!!

The CASA Gala was fantastic and a huge diversion from the normal routine.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

According to Wikipedia,  Kidney transplantation or renal transplantation is the organ transplant of a kidney in a patient with end-stage renal disease. Kidney transplantation is typically classified as deceased-donor (formerly known as cadaveric) or living-donor transplantation depending on the source of the recipient organ. Living-donor renal transplants are further characterized as genetically related (living-related) or non-related (living-unrelated) transplants, depending on whether a biological relationship exists between the donor and recipient.

Irene received a call today from the UCSF Kidney Transplant Team.  She was informed that her “markers” are at 100%.  Markers are indicators they utilize to ascertain the likelihood of a perfect blood type match.  It can’t get any better than that ....!!!

She still needs to have a colonoscopy and EKG to complete her surgery “readiness”.  She’s in a holding pattern for the “official” kidney transplant list until these two remaining matters have been completed.

We wait, we trust .... and we hope .... in Him.

A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?
Proverbs 20:24

Caminando con Fé

Dave

8.15 am............

So, there’s a vast fog bank casting a large shadow over our property...but the sun shines brightly over Pleasure Point...one of the most popular surfing spots in northern California… It’s one of those picturesque mornings on the Monterey Bay…

Irene’s unyielding ambition is leading her to work in the front yard, donning a heavy sweatshirt, sweat pants and gloves in the 44 degree cool weather.  She said that the air smells cool and the dirt smells fresh......so, what’s she doing...? 

WEEDING and RAKING under the live oak trees...!  She says it’s soooo much fun…

Oooooooooohhhhhhhh weeeeeeelllllllll............ 

We spoke with Martha and Bill Silva… Martha is fatigued but doing well and recovering at home...very grateful that she was able to make it through her recent open heart surgery...!!!  For this development, we’re very grateful.

Thanks for checking in...!
Dave

A beautiful evening on the bay ....

We barbecued this evening and savored the balmy weather from the deck ....

Thanks for caring,

Dave

A meditation…

I’ve been thinking, meditating, musing, deliberating, contemplating, dwelling, weighing, considering, pondering, reflecting, and ruminating…on the state of our current affairs on a world-wide basis….

Never before in my 51+ years have I been so acutely aware of the bankruptcy and depravity of mankind.

•  Sin’s unyielding grip
•  Many living lives of quiet desperation
•  Man’s inability to solve the many colossal challenges we face
•  Hate crimes going rampant
•  Human trafficking
•  Pain and suffering
•  The randomness and acceptance of mediocrity
•  The growing sense of entitlement
•  The obvious lack and void of true leadership
•  Injury
•  Illness
•  Accidents
•  Sickness
•  Disease

The enemy is doing a pretty good job, isn’t he….?

The world lacks direction and is in abundant disarray.  I liken it to every religion and ideology being put into a blender and hitting the puree button. There’s utter confusion surrounding the enormous issues of our day…

Now, before you think that I am judging others…never before, as I look in the mirror, have I been so acutely aware of…my own depravity. 

When I look deeply into my own heart…what do I see…?  I see the very issues that I observe in others…and my own deep sense of need and desperation…

I find myself longing for Jesus to return…. I have had enough of a sinful and depraved generation…of which I, in my sinfulness, am a willing accomplice…

I am so ready for a New Heaven and a New Earth.

We are in desperate need of God’s grace, intervention and mercy.

Psalm 121

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
    where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—
    the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
    he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

My long time friend and the Best Man in our wedding, Ron Richards, called Friday evening to alert me that Martha Silva was facing open heart surgery on Saturday morning.

Irene and I drove to Modesto and visited with Bill and his family following Martha’s surgery.  She’s resting comfortably and we hope on the short road of recovery…!!

Later in the day we met my mom and dad, and my brother, Greg, his wife Colleen and their daughter, Megan, for church services and dinner before returning to the coast.

Please join us in prayer for Martha’s quick recovery and restoration.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

We received word this week that Irene’s Amyloid level remains in REMISSION!! 

“Both kappa and lambda are elevated with a normal ratio = still in remission. I believe they are both elevated due to her renal failure.”  (from Doctor Damon’s UCSF notes in Irene’s file).

I don’t undertand how to interpret the ratios but the following is directly from the chart that we received in an email format:

> PARN 3-12-09 09:12 KAPPA/LAMBDA RATIO 1.26 0.26-1.65
> KLR
> Perfrm’d at UCSF/China Basin Lab, 185 Berry, San
> Francisco, CA 94107
> KAPPA LT CHAIN, FREE h*44.1 mg/L 3.3-19.4
> KAPF
> LAMBDA LT CHAIN, FREE h*34.9 mg/L 5.7-26.3
> LAMF

The KAPPA test three months ago was 33; it’s obviously elevated now at 44 but we’re told the “normal ratio” is being monitored very closely by the UCSF team.

Also, today Satellite Dialysis Center reported that Irene’s blood counts from the blood draw taken on Wednesday are all within range…in every category!!!!

Irene came home this evening completely wrung out, with severe leg and foot cramps (from today’s dialysis treatment) and is also very nauseated. :( :(

Thanks for caring,
Dave

We spent most of today at UCSF going through an intense educational session related to the kidney transplant process.  We learned that there at 77,000 people in the U.S. awaiting kidney transplants, and the minimum waiting period is 7 years for Irene’s blood type ... unless there is a family member or friend that donates the kidney.

We also learned the many inherent risks and side effects associated with kidney transplant:

• New kidney rejection
• Immunosuppressive Medications to prevent and treat rejection
• Bleeding
• Increased cancer risk (skin cancers, lymphoma, PTLD)

There was a very interesting comment made by Dr. Wojciechowski in the examination room.  He said that he had been reviewing Irene’s chart before entering the room and told his medical team that based upon Irene’s records, all that she has gone through and what the process may entail, he was biased and came into the examination room thinking that he was going to recommend against going forward with the transplant.  After meeting Irene, however, he changed his mind based upon the following:

• Age
• Demeanor and strong will to live
• Current health status, despite the chronic nausea and fatigue

There are two donor options:

• The Living Donor (family members or friends)
• Cadaver Kidney Transplant (brain death)

A prospective donor for Irene must be at least 18 years old, in excellent physical health, with blood type “O”.

If anyone is interested in learning how to donate their kidney to Irene, please contact us and we’ll start the process.

We’ll see what the future holds ... and thanks for caring.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Shirley Churchill graciously worked with Irene for 2+ hours this morning on physiology techniques designed to facilitate kidney function.  Irene’s nausea raged early this morning, coming and going in waves throughout the day.

Irene’s nausea didn’t stop us from joining our friends and my associates from InterWest, Chuck and Nancy Coppage, for an early dinner this evening at El Palomar Restaurant at the Santa Cruz Harbor.

Irene’s spirits were lifted after spending time with Chuck and Nancy who are always an encouragement.

Thanks for caring.

Dave

Thanks for checking in...!!

Today, Irene’s three month medical examination at UCSF was very encouraging.  Dr. Damon is ”pleased and amazed” (his words) that Irene continues to do so well.  (I think we have a pretty good idea as to why that is happening...!!!!)

A blood draw was completed today and we’ll have the results of the Cappa Light Chain (Amyloid level) by the end of next week. 

In the meantime, Dr. Damon strongly believes that the amyloid is in remission and encourages Irene to explore the kidney transplant. 

We have an all day appointment @ UCSF next Tuesday regarding that matter. 

God continues to sustain Irene moment by moment.

Despite the nausea, which now comes and goes in waves, she faithfully perserveres...and she’s still smiling...!!!!

Thanks for caring,
Dave

“We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it.  We have staked the future of all of our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind of self-government; upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.”
—James Madison

“Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God?”
—Thomas Jefferson

“If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on prospering and to prosper; but if we and our posterity neglect its instructions and authority, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us and bury all our glory in profound obscurity.”
—Daniel Webster

“I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Saviour of the world is communicated to us through this book.”
—Abraham Lincoln

Wouldn’t you know it…....

The one update where I make a bold statement about the nausea being somewhat more manageable…...and the next day Irene’s nausea RAGES.

She woke up this morning with great discomfort which lingered throughout the entire day.  The technicians removed 2.5 liters of fluid at dialysis today which also took a physical toll on her body.  Her blood pressure dropped several times throughout the treatment yet her heart raced at 125 beats per minute.

She returned home this evening EXHAUSTED and completely wrung out.

Thanks for caring,
Dave

We celebrated JoAnna’s birthday at the Crow’s Nest Restaurant at the Santa Cruz Harbor.

Except for unremitting dialysis days, Irene’s nausea appears to be settling down and is much more manageable.  This development is significant and we’re grateful for your prayerful intercession.  Irene continues, however, to be shadowed by the ever-present fatigue factor.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Our friend, Tom Steipp, recently shared this devotional by Ephraim Kwok which we thought was thoughtful and worthy of sharing at such a time as this.  We’re grateful for God’s Word…true and trustworthy as it is.

Living through trials
(Reference Daniel 3 and Daniel 6)

These are difficult and challenging time for many people, including Christians. The economy is uncertain and we are feeling insecure about our future. In the midst of our difficulties and trials, we are reminded that God will see us through, if we depend on His divine providence. There are several lessons we can learn from the book of Daniel on this topic.

God sees us “through”, but not escape “from”

It is very important to note that God never promised us that we would never see bad times or difficulties in our lives. In fact, He said in John 16:33 that “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” It should be clear to us that as long as we are in the world, we will experience tribulation. However, God did promise us that He will see us through and that we shall overcome.
In the case of the three Jewish young men in Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, God did not deliver them “from” the fiery furnace; instead, God miraculously saw them “through” the fiery furnace. Likewise, we can learn the same lesson from Daniel 6 – God did not deliver Daniel “from” the lion’s den, but God saw him “through” his ordeal inside the lion’s den and protected him.

As Christians, we often make the mistake of asking God to exempt us from the tribulation of this world. Of course God can intervene and deliver us, but more often than not, God would not deliver us from the turmoil, but God will see us through. This is especially relevant to us these days; will we be affected in today’s economic turmoil? The answer is yes and that we would be affected to some degrees or another, but rest assured that Jesus has overcome the world, and He promised to see us through.

Know when to bow down and when to stand up

In Daniel 3, the three Jewish young men were “standing up” while the rest of the people were “bowing down”. In reverse, in Daniel 6, Daniel was “bowing down” or knelt in front of God three times a day, as was his usual practice, while his accusers were standing before the king to accuse him.

As Christians, we must learn when to bow and when to stand. In difficult times, our human nature would turn us to dependency on men; for example, we are often tempted to rely on our own wisdom (or some powerful people of influence) to resolve our problems. But those efforts are futile, because only God can truly help. Psalm 20 states that “7Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” Psalm 121 tells us to lift our eyes to the hills, because our help is from the Lord. We must be careful not to give praises to men; instead we must make sure we give glory to God.

Adjust our expectations

Now that we understand that God sometimes allows us to go through tribulation (though He will see us through); we need to adjust our expectation while we are going through hard times. We can learn this truth from the story of Elijah during the drought as recorded in 1 Kings 17. Elijah pronounced a drought as judgment from God against the rebellious Israel. Was Elijah exempted from the drought? No, not at all! Elijah had to survive “through” the drought along with the rest of the people. However, God gave Elijah special provisions. First, God sent ravens to feed Elijah and he drank from the brook. Later, God sent Elijah to a widow who only had a small amount of flour and a little bit of oil. Nonetheless, God allowed Elijah and the widow to enjoy an unceasing provision from that small amount of flour and oil, until the drought is over.

A great lesson can be learned from this. In a manner of speaking, the “standard of living” of Elijah has deteriorated significantly during the drought. Eating from ravens is not what I would consider as gourmet meals, and for that matter, the same applied to the meager meals from the widow. Likewise, we as Christians must learn to adjust our expectation during times of difficulties. We must not behave as spoiled children and expect the same enjoyments as before; instead we should be thankful for whatever God has provided to us. Even if everything fails, we should still praise the Lord. See the words of encouragement from Habakkuk 3, “17Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls—18Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.

In conclusion, we cannot be presumptuous and think that we are exempted from all difficulties in life. However, we can rest assured that God will see us through no matter what challenges that we might encountered. The key is that we must focus on God during our difficult times, and we have to learn to give thanks to the Lord and rejoice in the Lord irrespective of our circumstances.