Donna Chandler

On June 12, 2004, Donna Chandler celebrated one year of insulin-independence after 40 years with diabetes. Her transplant experience was a bumpy ride, but both Donna and her surgeon, Dr. Bernhard Hering of the Diabetes Institute for Immunology and Transplantation, persevered.

Donna went through the islet transplant procedure twice and experienced a variety of complications, including adverse side effects from the anti-rejection medication. She took an eight-week leave from her job as a vocational career counselor at a spine treatment center in Iowa.

“For seven months,” Donna says, “I was very sick and I was constantly flying back and forth to Minnesota for 16 weeks. In spite of everything, I still think it was a good decision. My family is happy that I don’t have to worry about having low blood sugar, especially my husband. He says I look healthier. The color of my skin has improved. I used to have horrible waves of exhaustion and that’s gone.”

Her biggest triumph is in knowing that other people don’t have to take care of her. “I was feeling less in control of what was happening to me and I wanted to avoid long-term complications from diabetes. I’ve been vigilant with my life and now I’m just happy for each day. I have freedom from the constant blood sugar monitoring and from the worry about what will happen to me if while I’m in a meeting or working out.”

As Donna reflects on the impact the transplant has had on her life, she expresses gratitude for the surgeons and staff at the Diabetes Institute for Immunology and Transplantation (DIIT). Donna says, “I don’t think I would have stayed with this through the second transplant it if wasn’t for Dr. Hering. He’s a very smart and caring man. The protocol is demanding and the staff helps you with everything.” She adds, “The DIIT needs more support and more funding overall.”

Donna also acknowledges the extraordinary gift she received from two people - a woman about her age and a young man. These two people were organ donors; through the donation of their organs, they made Donna’s islet transplant possible. “I feel a kinship to my donors. I have a dialogue with my islets sometimes. If I’m feeling a little low, I say, ‘you can do better.’ It’s pretty amazing that something from someone else can immeasurably improve your life. I think organ donation is the best gift you can give to anyone.”