Sunshine for Denise
Denise Kuba is a caring and loving 47 year old woman hoping to live life to its fullest. She is a resident of Illinois and a graduate of Richard’s High School in Oak Lawn, IL. Through the years Denise has held a number of clerical positions and she most recently worked in the radiology department at Palos Community Hospital. For many years, Denise also volunteered as a Committee Member and Advancement Chairperson for local Cub Scouts Troop #3665 and Boy Scout Troop #665.
Denise mostly enjoys time with her husband Tom; her son Kyle, and her step-sons Matt and Tom. They are very special people in her life who she loves dearly. She loves the outdoors and enjoys going to the zoo, attending festivals, hiking, and visiting with family and friends. Denise’s has a special smile that brings sunshine to every life she has touched.
During Memorial weekend of 2011 Denise’s life changed forever. After becoming jaundice Denise went to her doctor and after a number of tests and biopsies, the doctor confirmed her worst fears. On June 7, 2011, Denise was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Shortly thereafter she began radiation and chemotherapy treatments to prepare for an operation to remove the tumor. In December, immediately following her 6 week recovery period, Denise began chemotherapy for the second time as a precautionary measure to insure the cancer was gone. The chemo; however, brought Denise to a new low. Although Denise was injected with shots to help improve her blood counts and platelets; after 6 months her treatments were put on hold. Denise’s counts were too low and she began retaining water around her heart and lungs. On May 30, 2012 while on her way to work, Denise became completely out of breath and she was again rushed to the ER at Palos Community Hospital. After several tests Denise was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome (HUS) and Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) which is caused by the chemo. This disorder creates antibodies that kill anything entering your body. As a result, Denise’s kidneys began to shut down, and is now in stage 5 kidney failure. Her life now consists of alternating days of kidney dialysis and Plasmapherthesis, which helps filter the bad plasma and replace it with new. To help with keeping her counts at stable levels Denise receives blood transfusions along with a chemo drip called riotoxin. Even after all of the challenges; however, Denise still has her gloves on and she is working hard to fight this disease. The fight; however, is getting tougher and tougher.
There is hope for Denise, but it will be an uphill battle emotionally, physically and financially. The medical expenses for the surgeries, chemotherapy and hospital visits are extensive and ongoing. So often Denise was the one bringing sunshine to those she met. She has been a special friend to many and an active member in our community. Let’s help bring some sunshine back to Denise.
To help relieve the burden of current & future medical expenses, her family and friends are hosting a “Sunshine for Denise” fundraiser. Please join us:
Sunday, April 21, 2013, 1PM –5PM
Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147TH Street
Oak Forest, IL 60452
The committee for “Sunshine for Denise” is also seeking donations that include but are not limited to gift certificates, silent auction items, beverages, merchandise, raffle prizes or monetary donations. We are also in need of corporate sponsors for items such as T-Shirts or koozies. Please visit our website www.sunshinefordenise.com or contact one of the committee members below for more information and additional ways to help Denise. Monetary donations may be sent directly to:
Chase Bank
c/o Sunshine for Denise
16057 S Farrell Road
Lockport, IL 60441
All donations are greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for your support.
posted January 24th, 2013
Giving Back 2 Becky Benefit
Dear Friends,
We have all heard that life is precious and can change in an instant. That instant came for Becky Clifford on June 14,2008, when she sustained a spinal cord injury so severe it hasrendered her quadriplegic and forever changed the course of the life she knew.
Following her accident, Becky spent three months between Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. During this time, she received continuous medical care as well as vigorous physical and occupational therapy; all to help her prepare for the new way of life that awaits her. Currently, Becky receives 24-hour care at home.
As with many high level spinal cord injury patients, Becky’s immune system has been forever compromised and she will always be at risk for infections, blood clots, skin breakdowns, lung and breathing problems, ractures, muscle spasms and stroke. She will continue to face innumerable health and other challenges that will need to be closely monitored throughout her life.
Becky has always enjoyed life and has never taken anything for granted. As a life-long Oak Lawn resident, Becky attended Kolmar, Richards and Moraine Valley and worked as the Sales and Catering Manager at the Hilton Oak Lawn for 16 years. She found the perfect career which showcased her outgoing and infectious personality. Becky is that one-in-a-million girl with a smile that lights up a room. Because of all these things and so many more, it is difficult to accept the turn her life ha
posted February 22nd, 2009
a death of there friend.....
we will miss her dearly, jane sweis death was 2-15-08. she died from cancer, she was only 28 years old.she was great person, shewas preschool teacher were children loved her so much.she was so sweet, nice ,kind,and treated everyone the way she wanted to be respected.she was a my friend snice 7th grade all the way to h.s, we graduated toghter,and been friends ever snice, now that is gone, i dont know wwhat to do without her. i will miss her everyday. may she rest in peace. my condelencese goes to her family and her friends.
posted October 17th, 2008
