Festival to Raise Funds, Awareness of Diabetes

(Angela Stacy Stewart, her husband, Kevin Stewart, her sister, Lori Stacy Barlow, and her sister-in-law, Dana Stewart Shammaa are all OHS graduates.)

Monday, March 12, 2007

BECKLEY - It's often in times of trouble that we find out just what our friends and loved ones are made of, and in Angela Stewart's case, she's found that some folks in her life are made of kindness and the determination needed to put that emotion into action.

One such person is her friend Jennifer Milam. When the two first met, they felt an instant connection.

"We hit it off from day one," Angela said. "It was like we had known each other all our lives. Since then, she's been such a blessing in my life. She's a coworker that turned family."

Angela said she knew Jennifer would be someone she could count on if she ever needed anything, but she was still surprised when Jennifer offered to organize a fundraiser to help with the medical expenses Angela's family has incurred due to her severe diabetes.

It's not only Jennifer who has rallied to Angela's aid. Her sister, Lori Barlow, didn't hesitate to offer a kidney once it was found that she was a match.

Lori had no reservations at all," said Angela. "I'm nervous for her; she could have complications, but she feels it's what she's supposed to do. I'd do it for her."

Angela, co-owner of Trio Consignment, was diagnosed in 1990 with diabetes. Since then, her illness has progressed rapidly. Angela's journey to this point has been filled with the struggle to manage her diabetes. Two years ago, she was given an insulin pump, and though she said it made a huge difference in how she felt, unfortunately, a significant amount of damage was already done. Her health has deteriorated so that her kidneys are now functioning at only seven percent of their capacity.

Recently she began a process known as peritoneal dialysis. She must undergo the procedure four times per day. She is no longer able to work, and can only leave home for short periods of time, since the exchanges must take place every four to six hours.

"It drains my energy a lot. I'm 40-years-old but some days I feel 70," she said. Others in her life have been affected as well. Her sister-in-law, Dana Shammaa, has had to take on the running of Trio Consignment, and Angela's daughter, Taylor, has had to deal with having a mom who is finding it hard to keep up with a busy young daughter. Taylor has taken it all in stride.

"Taylor has so much faith," Angela said. "It would amaze you. She puts all her trust in God. She's seen God pull me through so many things, she just feels sure it will all turn out well.

The fundraiser was organized by Jennifer to help with Angela's medical expenses. It will take place at Soldiers Memorial Theatre & Arts Centre Saturday, March 17, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jennifer is calling it a "Festival of Friendship and Fellowship."

It will include a flea market, music, door prizes, food, and information about diabetes and kidney transplants. Jan Care Ambulance personnel will be doing blood sugar and blood pressure screenings. Music will be provides by Jones Memorial Baptist Choir, Mark Hatfield and friends, Larry Rowley, Dallas Cochran and friends and others.

Door prizes have been donated by Inspiration Station, Big Lots, Mary Kay consultant Dana Shammaa, Trio Consignment, Rivers Whitewater Rafting, Lester Volunteer Fire Department, and SMT Arts Centre. One of the door prizes will be an original piece of artwork donated by local award-winning artist Debbie Lester. Other services have provided by Paul Almond Entertainment, Jan Care, SMT, and many volunteers. Information will be provided by American Diabetes Foundation, the National Kidney Foundation, and the Organ Transplant Association.

At this time, donations of flea market items and door prizes are being accepted. If you have good flea market items or a gift that would be suitable for door prizes, call Jennifer by leaving a message at 253-9502.