The Magnini Transplant

In the fall of 2007, Jules Magnini, after much research, prayer and soul searching, opted for a surgery that would give her a better quality life - one where she could fully participate in the activities of her two young children, Toni & Miles. The surgery was a gastric bypass. All surgeries come with risks, but millions of people have very successful gastric bypass with amazing results, not only weight loss, but lower blood pressure, lower blood glucose, less strain on the heart, the joints - the benefits are many. However, Jules case did not work out to be beneficial. Within the first year she had 6 subsequent surgeries, with multiple inpatient visits trying to combat the incredible pain, nausea, and vomiting our Jules was suffering from. More complications ensued which lead to additional surgeries and inpatient stays. No one could fix the issues and Jules wound up with a paralyzed digestive system. This creates so many other issues, malabsorption (can't absorb nutrients if your digestive system is paralyzed), inability to eat, consistent vomiting and nausea, adhesion disease leading to intractable pain. The most recent surgery completely removed her STOMACH! She now has what we jokingly refer to as a "nomach". Without getting into medical jargon - without a stomach you can't eat, without eating you are not receiving the nutrients needed to sustain life - period, that is the sad long and short of it. Desperately seeking someone who could help, The Mayo Clinic was consulted - best in the country, they had no answers. The Cleveland Clinic, after preforming many procedures to reduce strictures in the esophagus, remove adhesives, reverse bowel obstructions - nothing is working. Now on IV TPN nutrition therapy every other day, she gets weaker and weaker. TPN is a treatment that should only be used for a limited time - as it causes it's own plethora of complications. Knowing options were running out, Cleveland Clinic has suggested a complete stomach, intestine and pancreas transplant as her best option. Thankfully they do have health insurance, however, every time she has to go to CC there is train/airfare, hotel, food etc. This might not sound like much, but after YEARS of doing this it really starts to drag a family down. After the transplant, she has to live in the Cleveland area for 3 to 4 months, with care-giving. Through all of the catastrophic medical problems she has, Jules never, ever complains. She is the one that lifts all of us up. She has a wicked sense of humor that will dissolve a bad mood in 5 minutes. She is the kind of friend most people wish they had. Jules loves with a passion and has the biggest heart of any of us.
Since she has been unable to work, Julie has been on social security disability, so her family has been deprived of her income for the last 6 years. She does try to pick up some part time hours once in a while, since she loves her job helping people in the ER, but has only been able to work less than 10 hours per month on average. Her husband Marty (who works at Cary-Grove high school as a music teacher) has cashed in his retirement and savings accounts, and has been selling his musical instruments on eBay to help cover the costs of Julie's travels and expenses.
Weneed her. Herhusbandneeds her. Her two childrenToni and Milesneed their mom. Herfurry childrenneed her. Herworkneeds her. Hercommunityneeds her. After7 yearsof devastating and debilitating medical issues, none of which she caused,she deserves this. Simple things we take for granted, eating a sandwich, drinking a cup of tea, going out for pizza, living a day free from vomiting and pain, being present for your family - she has none of these.Jules needs this transplant, and she needs us to help her do it.