M A R A T H O N defined:

…. a test of endurance, a lengthy and difficult task, event, or activity

So, when Persia was dust, all cried, “To Acropolis!
Run, Pheidippides, one race more! the meed is thy due!
Athens is saved, thank Pan, go shout!” He flung down his shield
Ran like fire once more: and the space ‘twixt the fennel-field
And Athens was stubble again, a field which a fire runs through,
Till in he broke: “Rejoice, we conquer!” Like wine through clay,
Joy in his blood bursting his heart, – the bliss!

Wikipedia, Pheidippides

June 15, 2007 will be a date long remembered.  It’s hard to believe that we’re closing in on TWO YEARS since that rendezvous of time as we contemplate Irene’s SECOND Stem Cell Transplant Birthday.

Irene endures today by the grace of God, answered prayer by a multitude of people, combined with the AMAZING UCSF Medical Team.

I’ve been slowly scrolling and reading through various pages of Irene’s website as I cogitate on the 2+ year journey…

Yes, we realize that she faithfully perseveres the following:

• 3 days a week of dialysis treatment — Monday, Wednesday and Friday’s she leaves the house at 1 pm and returns near 6 pm
• Inveterate fatigue — Irene wakes up on most days feeling depleted rather than rejuvenated because she doesn’t sleep well through the night; another classic symptom of kidney failure.
• Unremitting nausea — Since June of 2007 and ever constant, it comes in random WAVES, oftentimes a tolerable 4-5 on a scale of 1-10 but on dialysis days the “tide” can rise to 10

…. and we remain hopeful for an eventual kidney transplant donor.

What is even more amazing is that Irene endures the journey with JOY.  For those of you who visit this website regularly, you personally witness her signature smile.  For those who have interaction with her, her optimistic countenance and poise is ever present.  This doesn’t mean she’s happy about her circumstances but she faces them with inner STRENGTH and PEACE that she appropriates into her life through faith in Christ.

Consider it pure joy, my Brethren, when you face trials of many kinds
James 1:2

Irene truly exemplifies that verse ….!!!

We’re grateful to Dr. Alan Buchwald, of Santa Cruz, who was an early CHAMPION for Irene during her admission at Dominican Hospital/CHW and was instrumental in getting her admitted to UCSF.

Don Thomas, friend and confidant, also successfully petitioned UCSF to admit Irene after a previous medical team had dismissed her symptoms as kidney failure “only” and recommended discharge from the hospital, advising her to return for treatment as an outpatient three months later.

Two days of testing as an inpatient at UCSF revealed the disturbing and challenging diagnosis: Primary Amyloidosis.

We’re grateful for all of you who prayerfully intercede on Irene’s behalf.

We’re also grateful for our faithful friend and webmaster, Frank Johnson, who caringly attends IreneDias.com.

Yes, Irene’s journey of faith is a colossal MARATHON and the test of endurance is still underway as we await the next epoch to unfold.

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Hebrews: 12:1b

Caminando con Fé

Dave