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Kim Jacques
- 29, Female
- Tallahassee, FL
- United States
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- Blog Posts (7)
- Discussions (48)
- Events (3)
- Groups (30)
- Photos (64)
- Photo Albums
- Videos (1)
Music
Kim Jacques's Groups
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Diabetes
9 members
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Fans of Three Rivers o...
63 members
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Fitness & Exercise
19 members
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Relationships and Dating
25 members
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Women Issues
22 members
Kim Jacques's Discussions
Kim Jacques's Events
Kim Jacques's Page
Latest Activity
something simple like angel hair with marinara sauce. :-)
What is your favorite 'All American' dish?
Hi Kim,
It's good to see people like you who wants to do something about the lack of awareness when it comes to organ and tissue donation. I don't know where you live, but here in Colorado we are producing a 'Donate Life License Plate' which will ...
Hi Kim,
I came across the dating and relationship section and am really curious how your budding romance is going. As hard as it is, after 21 yrs. post transplant, I've come to find that one of the gifts of the transplant is that it definitely wee...
I'm boring LOL! I'm a mayo/mustard kind of gal thou I'm trying to cut back on the mayo b/c it's not healthy. I like cold cuts, cheese (american and provolone are my faves!), lettuce, and sliced tomatoes. :-)
soup!!! ESPECIALLY at this time of year! I love creamy tomato, chicken noodle, Italian wedding, vegetable, minestrone, etc.
What's your least favorite side dish that's offered at Thanksgiving?
oh geez I'm not big on appetizers. I like yummy dips (nothing spicy!) with crackers or bread! At Christmastime I'm a WHORE when it comes to those Little Debbie Christmas Cakes. DELISH!!! I also like quesadilas and nachos (not together though!)
An...
blah! Sorry for the double posts!
P.S. Here is the restaurant's site for more info:
P.S. Here is the restaurant's site for more info:
http://www.greatdanepub.com/
We'll be going to the one labeled 'downtown' right?
We'll be going to the one labeled 'downtown' right?
Profile Information
- What is your city / state and country of residence?
- Tallahassee, Florida
- How are you touched by transplantation?
- I am a Recipient
- If you are a recipient, what type of transplant did you receive?
- Heart, Double Lung
- Recipients: In this space, feel free to list those you are grateful to for receiving the Gift of LIfe:
- My un-known donor, donor family, my friends and family for their support, God, the awesome transplant team at SLCH....yep, that sums it up. :-)
- If you are a recipient, what type of donor did you receive your Gift of Life from?
- Deceased Donor
- If you are a recipient, when did you have your transplant(s)?
- June 14, 1996
- What is your principal transplant med(s)?
- Prograf, Prednisone, Rapamune, Septra, and a crapload of other stuff.
- What is your hospital and, or doctor's name, city / state and country?
- I used to be a patient at St. Louis Children's Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Right before my 22nd b-day I was "kicked out" (aka: got too old) and I now receive transplant care at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Florida.
ORIGINAL pulmonologists and cardiologist at SLCH: Dr. George B. Mallory Jr. (he was such a doll!) and Dr. Alan H. Cohen (my favorite! he had the good balance of smarts and bedside manners) for my lungs. After Dr. Cohen left SLCH I had Dr. Stuart Sweet (until St. Louis kicked me out in 2002). Dr. David Baizer (eh...didn't see him as often as my pulmonologists) for my heart.
Dr. Charles Huddleston was my surgeon.
Dr. Mark Rolfe (pulmonologist) at Tampa General is my doctor now.
- What do you do for a living?
- I work for the state government in the Bureau of Accounting.
- About Me: Please use this space to tell the community about yourself and your unique experience with transplantation:
- Thirteen years ago I received a heart/double lung transplant. Yup, a new pumper and a set of new blowers. Why did I need my chest cavity cut open?
I was born 29 years ago and was a lot earlier then planned. Because of this, I ended up with a lot of health complications but mainly in my heart and lungs region. While it was obvious that my lungs were underdeveloped it didn't even occur to my doctors for a couple of years that there might be something wrong with my heart. Remember: this is early 1980s thinking.
When I was two and a half years old my doctors thought I'd be doing somewhat better since I was still on oxygen. After doing a cardiac catheterization on me it was discovered that I had holes in my heart--holes that were unrepairable. I was diagnosed with Eisenmenger's Syndrome and PPH (Primary Pulmonary Hypertension). Once that was discovered my doctors "tip-toed" around this new kind of surgery, an operation that might be able to fix or even "replace" these organs of mine that were in bad shape. An operation called a transplant.
When I was almost five years old my parents decided to move the 4 of us (I now had a baby sister who was born HEALTHY) from Boston, Massachusetts to Tampa, Florida to see if the warmer climate might help me. It worked. I ended up having a normal childhood. You might be reading this thinking "yeah right" but it's true.
I grew up in a great neighborhood with lots of kids my age. I could go down the street, across the street or even a block or two and my parents didn't have to worry about me. All my mom would say was "call me when they're [my friends parents] getting sick and tired of you so I can come and pick you up" LOL! I was an average/above average student in school. I got into a fair amount of mischief. I was active in Girl Scouts and in my church. I remember family road-trips up to Boston during the summer. I was part of the last generation of kids who grew up watching family-oriented sitcoms and Saturday morning cartoons. It's been over twenty years since I first moved to Tampa and I'm still friends with a lot of the people I grew up with!
In June of 1994, I went to my cardiologist for my yearly check-up. It was the first day of summer vacation and I was antsy just to go in, get checked and go on with my summer. Fate had other plans. My usual doctor wasn't available so we had a fill-in. The doctor took one look at the results of my echo cardiogram and said the words that would (in my young eyes) alter the course of my life: "I've just gone the results of Kim's echo we need to get moving with the transplant." TRANS-WHAT?!
Growing up my parents didn't know how to tell me the truth about my health (who could?) but they NEVER expected me to find out in such a blunt way. My dad was in the room with me so I was hoping he'd tell me that this was a joke or something. Unfortunately, the look on his face said it all: "I'm sorry, Kim, but I didn't want you to find out this way." To add insult to injury, the doctor MUST'VE caught the expression on my face and instead of taking a more sensitive route in telling us about transplant centers he just kept right on going.
In December of 1994 my family and I (which now consisted of a second sister who was also a preemie but was spared of health complications) went up to St. Louis, Missouri for an evaluation at their transplant center: St. Louis Children's Hospital. At first, the doctors thought that they could do some repair on my heart and just give me lungs. After a week's worth of tests (including a whole day for my parents and I with a psychologist) it was deemed that I would need a heart and a new lung (only listed for 1 because of my scoliosis). Since I was the first patient they'd ever had with Eisenmenger's Syndrome I became their "guinea pig" (so to speak). After that first visit they said, "come back in 6 months"...June of 1995 "come back in 6 months"....December of 1995 "we need to speed things up a bit."
The five of us moved to St. Louis in April of 1996 to wait for the call to arrive. Almost exactly two months later, in the late hours of Thursday, June 13th, it happened. Luckily, the first call was the real thing and not a false alarm. Since my donor was so much younger than me, I was able to get her heart and both lungs. Amazingly enough, the operation and early recovery period went very smoothly. So smooth that it scared my doctors!
From March of 2006-February of 2007 I experienced my first EVER bout of rejection--in my lungs. An experience I hope (and pray) that I NEVER have to go through again.
Has my transplant experience been perfect? Nope. But is my life better because of it? HELL YEAH! I have been able to graduate high school and college (albeit, an AS degree but still). I have had the pleasure (or dis-pleasure haha) of watching my baby sister grow up and graduate high school (in 2006). My now 11 and 10 year old cousins would've heard stories about their 'late cousin Kimmie.' Instead, I get to hang out with them. I've been able to compete in the U.S. Transplant Games. At the 2006 Games in Louisvlle, Kentucky, (yes, when I was still in rejection) I somehow won a bronze medal--GO ME! At the 2008 Games in Pittsburgh, I won a silver medal in the same event that I won a bronze in--the 1500m race walk. Not only that, but I beat my previous record by 4 minutes and 11 seconds. I hope to be able to attend and compete in the 2010 games in Madison, Wisconsin.
I am so grateful that my still un-known donor family said YES in their moment of tragedy and I'm honored that I've been able to give these heart and lungs such a good home. :-)
- How did you find out about TransplantCafe.com?
- internet; a friend
- What is your relationship status?
- Single
- Entertainment: What is Your Favorite Type of Music, Bands, Movies, Art, Books, etc.?
- Music:
Rascal Flatts, Billy Gilman, Faith Hill, Christina Aguilera, Tim McGraw, LeAnn Rimes, Pat Benatar, Alan Jackson, The Osmond Brothers, Donny Osmond, Marie Osmond, Osmonds 2nd Generation, David Osmond, Jared Osmond, Tracy Chapman, Gloria Estefan, Shakira, Selena, Fergie, Hanson, Elton John, Carrie Underwood, Donna Summer, RENT soundtrack, Moulin Rouge! soundtrack, Disney Movies soundtrack (Oliver & Company-The Lion King...with some Mulan and Tarzan thrown in), Wicked soundtrack, Hairspray movie soundtrack (do you see a trend here?), and downloading music from my favorite childhood tv shows Kids Incorporated and MMC, 80s and 90s pop, contemporary Christian, love songs, Etc.
Movies:
RENT, Moulin Rouge!, The Sound of Music, Take The Lead, Mad Hot Ballroom, Dirty Dancing, Real Women Have Curves, 3 Ninjas, The Breakfast Club, Beaches, Steel Magnolias, Uncle Buck, Saved, Europa Europa, Chaplin, Y Tu Mama Tambien, The Goonies, Mr. Holland's Opus, Harry Potter series, Cinderella, Oliver & Company, The Little Mermaid, Beauty & the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Mulan, Blue Collar Comedy Tour series, Grease (1 and 2), E.T., Flight of the Navigator, Clueless, Love Actually, American Pie (1, 2, and Wedding), Father of the Bride (1 and 2), Selena, A League of Their Own, The Notebook, Apollo 13, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, 10 Things I Hate About You, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Shrek (1 & 2...didn't like 3rd), Hairspray, The Joy Luck CLub, Mannequin (1 and 2), High School Musical (1 & 2....oh hush), Titanic, The Incredibles, Cars, Splash, My Girl (1 & 2), It's A Wonderful Life, Saved, The Santa Clause, Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, A Charlie Brown Christmas
TV:
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, Ugly Betty, Inside the Actor's Studio, Diners Drive-Ins and Dives, Everwood, Kids Incorporated, The All-New Mickey Mouse Club (aka: MMC), Boy Meets World, The Wonder Years, American Idol, Full House, Road to Avonlea, Family Ties, Home Improvement, Famly Matters, Step by Step, JEM & the Holigrams, The Wuzzles, Alvin & the Chipmunks (my favorite was Jeanette), Gummi Bears, Good Morning Mickey, Donald Duck Presents, and many other shows from my childhood
Books:
Becoming Latina in 10 Easy Steps (Lara Rios), Harry Potter series, Carly Phillips books, Gail Tsukiyama books, Me and My Shadows (Lorna Luft), Marcia Evanick's Misty Harbor books, Danielle Steel books, Jane Austen novels, Summer Sisters (Judy Blume), The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom), Marley & Me (John Grogan), Where the Heart Is (Billie Letts), Meg Cabot adult books, Nora Roberts books, Hit Reply (Rocki St. Claire), Twighlight series, The Power of Two: A Twin Triumph Over Cystic Fibrosis (Isabel Stenzel Byrnes and Anabel Stenzel), The Joy Luck Club (Amy Tan), Bridget Jones's Diary (Helen Fielding), A Walk To Remember (Nicholas Sparks). Also, I love buying cookbooks though I may not try to make a damn thing!
- What is Your Favorite Quote(s)?
- "Don't take your organs to Heaven, Heaven knows we need them here"
"Life isn't measured by how many breaths you take, but by how many moments take your breath away"
"There is not a person in your life who isn't here to teach you something about yourself."
"You can spend years in a classroom, but it doesn't guarantee you've got class."
"If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bull****" :-D
"It doesn't matter what you say about someone once they're gone. What matters is how you treat them when they're still here. "
"You were given this life because you were strong enough to live it."
"I may not be perfect but some parts of me are pretty awesome."
One day at a time--this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering.”
"I want to be all used up when I die."
- My "MySpace" Page:
- http://www.myspace.com/lionnesskim
- My Facebook Page:
- http://www.facebook.com/kim.jacques
Kim Jacques's Photos
Kim Jacques's Videos
Kim Jacques's Blog
telling him....
Hi All!
A little over two weeks ago I signed up for Eharmony and instantly, I was contacted by someone. His name is Jeffrey; he's my age (29) and also works for the state. We made it through the four "stages" on the site and got thru to "Open Communcation." We exchanged numbers and after our very first phone call, he sent me an e-mail asking me out to dinner. Tuesday, October 20, was the date and it went well.
During the date we somehow started talking about scars. I almost said the big T word… Continue
A little over two weeks ago I signed up for Eharmony and instantly, I was contacted by someone. His name is Jeffrey; he's my age (29) and also works for the state. We made it through the four "stages" on the site and got thru to "Open Communcation." We exchanged numbers and after our very first phone call, he sent me an e-mail asking me out to dinner. Tuesday, October 20, was the date and it went well.
During the date we somehow started talking about scars. I almost said the big T word… Continue
Posted on October 29, 2009 at 5:09pm — 15 Comments
my youngest sister...
I'm not sure where I should post this but I just learned that my youngest sister (21 years old) has the Swine Flu. She's been complaining (on her Facebook) since Monday-ish about not feeling well. She went to the doctor's office last night and after some tests (including nasal swabs!) she learned that she does have the H1N1 virus. Poor thing.
She goes to school in Miami (Florida International University) so the first thing I said to her was, "It's a good thing we're on opposite sides of the sta… Continue
She goes to school in Miami (Florida International University) so the first thing I said to her was, "It's a good thing we're on opposite sides of the sta… Continue
Posted on September 10, 2009 at 10:38am — 2 Comments
My Bucket List
Since I'm turning the Big 3-0 in January I decided to create a Bucket List for what I'd like to accomplish within the next 10-20 years. Some might surprise you! Enjoy! This is in no particular order.
1.) get married and raise a family
2.) get over my fear of driving (I have a license but I don't drive)
3.) get eye laser surgery (yes, for # 2)
4.) try to improve Organ Donation Awareness in the state of Florida
5.) take cooking and baking classes
6.) learn how to speak Spanish fluently. Also… Continue
1.) get married and raise a family
2.) get over my fear of driving (I have a license but I don't drive)
3.) get eye laser surgery (yes, for # 2)
4.) try to improve Organ Donation Awareness in the state of Florida
5.) take cooking and baking classes
6.) learn how to speak Spanish fluently. Also… Continue
Posted on July 19, 2009 at 7:00pm — 9 Comments
MY DONOR FAMILY LETTER!
What do you all think???? Opinions are much appreciated!!!
Dear Donor Family,
Hi! My name is Kim and I was fortunate to receive an invaluable gift from you--two lungs and a heart on June 14, 1996. I am now 28 years old (almost 29) and work full-time for the state government.
I was born a lot earlier than planned and at the age of two and a half, I was diagnosed with Eisenmenger’s Syndrome. Eisenmenger’s is a disease where (in my case) I had holes in my heart and the oxygenated blood combin… Continue
Dear Donor Family,
Hi! My name is Kim and I was fortunate to receive an invaluable gift from you--two lungs and a heart on June 14, 1996. I am now 28 years old (almost 29) and work full-time for the state government.
I was born a lot earlier than planned and at the age of two and a half, I was diagnosed with Eisenmenger’s Syndrome. Eisenmenger’s is a disease where (in my case) I had holes in my heart and the oxygenated blood combin… Continue
Posted on December 18, 2008 at 6:11pm — 5 Comments
OMG!! I FINALLY DID IT!!
Did what?" you may ask? Well, around the time of my 10 year anniversary (June 14, 2006) I'd been wanting to attempt contact with my donor family but things fell through (went through rejection in 2006 and got royally sick in 2007).
After returning from this past summer's transplant games, my desire only increased. For about a month I'd been trying to work up the nerve to call my former transplant center (St. Louis Children's Hospital) and tonight I finally did it! I left a message for the lung… Continue
After returning from this past summer's transplant games, my desire only increased. For about a month I'd been trying to work up the nerve to call my former transplant center (St. Louis Children's Hospital) and tonight I finally did it! I left a message for the lung… Continue
Posted on December 14, 2008 at 8:20pm — 5 Comments
Comment Wall (165 comments)
- At 4:54pm on November 10, 2009,
Mike Prpich said… - Hi, how did date number 2 go??
- At 4:32pm on November 07, 2009, Selma Tennant gave Kim Jacques a gift…
Thank you so much for adding me. I've been looking for a group to jion and be able to talk about transplant issues. Hope to talk to you soonFrom the Gift Store
- At 7:12pm on November 3, 2009,
Mike Prpich said…
- Good luck with date #2!
- At 8:03am on October 23, 2009,
Angela Neiderer-Staub said… - Hi Kim! Thanks for coming by and welcoming me. Yes I'm not at 1 month post transplant yet, but very soon... YAY!!! I'm so much more full of life. My mother-in-law said me last night "It's so nice to have our Angie smiling again!" I didn't realize how much of a downer I was, but on the other had I had a lot of my friends ditch me when I got really sick and that takes a toll on a person. I love the idea that I will be able to do so many things soon, but scares the crap out of me too because I was never allowed to do anything because I was so sick! I feel like I will be experiencing new things with my nieces as the grow up I will be "growing UP" too! My biggest thing... I can't wait to FINALLY go on my honeymoon! We got married 9/1/07 and put off our honeymoon because I was so sick. Please keep in touch! I love meeting new people!
- At 12:40pm on October 20, 2009,
Lili Feldman said… - Hi Kim, Lili here. I loved Trisha's song for you! What a great friend. You can tell she's she's been right there for you.
Welcome to Diabetes. Are you diabetic? So many of your faves, are some of mine. Especially in the movies section. Have you seen the The Lion's King play? If you haven't, I highly recommend it. I love Jane Austin, Moulin Rouge(own it), Mad Hot Ballroom. I'm pretty eclectic.
If you haven't seen Unconditional Love, rent it. Pretty quirky, but fun movie. Let me know how you like it. With so much in common, I think we should definitely be friends! Whadda ya say?
- At 10:44am on October 2, 2009,
Terri Lynne said… - I've decided to go back to school, send me email to terri7291@yahoo.com
thanks
- At 2:53pm on September 30, 2009,
Sara Pietrzak said… - Thanks, feeling much better :). My son was sent home yesterday with h1n1 symptoms so I'm on tamiflu as a precaution. My son is doing fine and keeps hollering down the stairs how bored he is, so he is mending fast.
Were you transplanted 13 years ago? Wow, that sure gives me hope. I think that it's important for the new guys to see successes like you. Then you don't feel so all alone. :)
- At 1:45pm on September 26, 2009,
Terri Lynne said…
- I am ok, just busy and taking a little break is all. How are you?
- At 12:06pm on September 25, 2009,
Evelyn Gualdarama said…
- Wow, I just took a moment to look over your story...Wow, what a life..You have been blessed. Thank you for the welcome. I have not set up a page yet but will soon...My donor and I would like to participate in the 2010 Games this year...Can you tell me where we go to sign up to do this?? Thanks for your help... WOW!!! Hope your sister feels better soon.
- At 11:01am on September 9, 2009,
Holdol said… - Hey woman! How have you been?
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Hi Peggy.I just moved back to Bristol Im a bucks county boy so I had to go back haha...Welcome to the cafe!
Peggy, I'm so happy to hear your doing well :) Thanks for the update. Oh wow, what a blessing to have a new liver! 1 week done, 6 to go! You can do it!! Stay strong and I'll be thinking about you. Keep us updated and remember we're always here for...
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4 Months and doing fine
Hi everyone sorry i haven't been on i guess you can say i have been feeling better so i haven't spent a lot of time in front of the computer. Well I started my radiation treatments this past Monday, i go Mon - Fri for 7 weeks, but i am almost threw the first week so after tomorrow 6 weeks left. I am not having the bad nausea, but i have had prob with my bowels, and tired all the time. but just glad to get this done and over with. I found out how lucky I was to get the liver transplant the tumor…Double Anniversary
I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that this month is a double anniversary for me. On the 13th I will be 25 years out from my second kidney transplant. December, 25th will mark 30 years post first kidney transplant. It doesn't seem that its been that long ago,I will forever think about the families that made the faithful decision that saved my life and the lives of other complete strangers. I do celebrate on the anniversaries but, I also mourn because of the loss that was e…
Fight canceling Three Rivers
We can fight back and try to save Three Rivers. Go to : http://tvseriesfinale.com and vote. And speak your mind.Please and thank you! Lili
American Transplant Foundation needs your help/vote!
To everyone out there!!American Transplant Foundation is a non-profit organization that strives to eliminate our country's shortage of human transplant organs. We work to increase the donation of organs and tissue to reduce the growing list of men, women and children who are awaiting a lifesaving transplant.
So how can you help???
Its very easy and very simple:
If you haven't voted for us (Transplant Foundation, Inc) in the Chase Community Giving Facebook campaign yet,…
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