Darla: Oley’s Newest RC
Darla
Edwards of Fairfield, California, has recently
volunteered to join the ranks of Oley Regional Coordinators. We are so
pleased to welcome her. Darla is a full-time college
student, majoring in child psychology, and she brings
with her a lot of experience, energy, and enthusiasm.
When Darla was just two years old, she was diagnosed with congenital intestinal lymphangiectasia. Since then she has received additional diagnoses of secondary protein-losing enteropathy, secondary hypogammaglobulinemia, asthma, and spinal osteopenia. Darla was parenteral-nutrition (PN) dependent for eight years and also received enteral (EN) nutrition through a G-tube. She has experienced beginning-stage liver failure and pitting edema, and suffers from compromised immunity.
Now in her early twenties, Darla is currently off PN. She still receives intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and protein infusions. She is employed as a part-time child daycare provider and spends her free time drawing, singing, dancing, and doing jigsaw puzzles. She believes it is important to set and achieve goals in spite of the challenges put forth by her diseases. Darla hopes that by sharing her medical experiences and personal knowledge, she will be able to help other Oley members. She is very interested in developing local fundraisers and searching for new outreach avenues.
Darla can be reached at 2764 Shearwater Way, Fairfield, CA 94533; (707)437-0241; or Cookie0241@aol.com.