Anyone who knows Rowena Randle knows that she possesses endless
amounts of energy and vitality. For her, continuing an active
lifestyle meant overcoming some major health problems.
In 1993, Rowena was diagnosed with liver problems. Two years later
she underwent a liver biopsy and was diagnosed with biliary cirrhosis
– a chronic progressive liver disorder in which obstruction
of the small bowel ducts is accompanied by yellow discoloration
of skin (jaundice). The exact cause of primary biliary cirrhosis
is unknown.
Her condition worsened and in 1996 she was sent to Jackson Memorial
at the University of Miami for testing. One year later, she was
one of thousands of people on the waiting list for a liver transplant.
Luckily for Rowena a donor was found and on May 12, 1999 she
received a new liver. Since that time, she has progressed back
to her energetic self, playing tennis, exercising and travelling.
Ask Rowena how she is doing now and she will tell you, “I’m
back to my high energy level. Thanks to my previous good health,
positive attitude and the love and attention of family and friends,
I have my life back.” Her checkups continue to get better
and her anti-rejection medications have been reduced more than
the doctors ever thought they would be.
Being part of the Bob Swanson GAL has enabled Rowena to help others
understand the importance of being an organ donor and telling
their families.
