Rachael's Path to a New Pancreas

08/31/2026

“I can go to bed now with the confidence that I am going to wake up in the morning; that I have a functioning pancreas that is going to keep me alive through the night.” 💙💚

Thank you for a great interview WQAD!

UW Health Donate Life America

After years of dangerous blood sugar swings and near-death experien...

08/27/2026

I wouldn't have this life-changing opportunity without the guidance and encouragement of my friend Melissa Nelson 💙💚

Thank you to all of the doctors and nurses at UW Health!

2,000 🎉
https://youtu.be/wY0SYXKJjG4?si=OT7bxTFB28t1PeCu

08/15/2026

This week, we celebrate 8 months since my pancreas transplant surgery! 🎉

I got a cabin in the woods and went hiking with my dog for multiple days. I have wanted to do this for years but never went because I thought it was too risky to do alone with Type 1 Diabetes. I went, I was fine, and had a great time 🙂

Thank you, Tweedle Dee (new pancreas)! ❤️

08/08/2026

7 years ago today. I had no idea Type 1 Diabetes was wreaking havoc on my body. I dropped down to 115 lbs before I realized something was wrong and went to the doctor.

The most difficult part of being diagnosed with this horrible disease, for me, was the mental and emotional acceptance that this was going to change my life forever.

Little did I know that I would “only” live with T1D for 6 years before having my life dramatically changed again by having a pancreas transplant!

07/30/2026

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) was passed on to me from the donor organ. Thankfully, it’s a common and treatable virus. 🦠

UW Health put me on an anti-viral medication and the CMV levels have already come down 🎉 I was given approval to stop taking the medication, that’s 4 fewer pills daily 💊 💊 💊 💊

To be clear, I gave approval in the beginning to accept an organ that could have certain issues that are treatable with medication. The wait for a new pancreas would have been longer if I wanted a “perfect” organ.

Everything I have gone through has been worth it to live a life FREE of Type 1 Diabetes! ❤️

07/29/2026

Transplant Games of America 🇺🇸
August 4-9, 2028
Saint Paul, MN

I better start training now 😄

🔗 https://www.transplantgamesofamerica.org/2028-transplant-games

07/13/2026

My doctor told me I could stop taking one of the medications! 🎉

I’m still taking 13 types of medication and 24.5 pills daily 💊 💊 💊

Slowly, but surely 🙂

07/09/2026

My bones are strong…”for my age” 😂

Nurse: “[bone density test] Results are within normal limits for your age range which is great!”

07/09/2026

Everything went great in Madison yesterday!

The photo is from a walk in the park we did to shoot some B roll for the interview. The media team was great to work with 😊

✅ Bloodwork & vitals were good
⚠️ Keeping an eye on my blood pressure. It’s in range, just don’t want it going higher.
⏳ Results from the bone density test will be back in a couple days
🦠 I started taking an antiviral to combat the CMV virus which was passed on through the donor organ. Thankfully, it’s a common virus and treatable!
💊 We made some other adjustments to my meds
⚠️ Magnesium was a little low. I’m going to eat more foods containing magnesium before they decide to put me on another supplement.

Upcoming:
✔️ Primary care doctor appointment
✔️ Schedule dermatology appointment
✔️ Weekly bloodwork to monitor CMV

07/08/2026

Wednesday is a big day.

I’m just a few days away from my 7 month anniversary. Gail Bisby Fisher and I will be on the road starting at 4:30am to go to UW Health in Madison, WI. 🚘

I’m scheduled for a bone density test, bloodwork, and a consultation with the medical team. I had to stop taking all supplements that contain calcium for 24 hours prior to the test. 🦴

I’m also going to be interviewed for being the 2,000th pancreatic transplant patient! 😎 📸

Now, for the bad news: I have tested positive for a virus called Cytomegalovirus (CMV) which was transmitted by the donor organ. 🦠

“In organ transplant recipients, active CMV can cause life-threatening complications affecting the eyes, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract.” —CDC

The results came in today and, thankfully, I’ll be at the hospital tomorrow to pick up the antiviral medication I need. 💊

I gave the transplant team approval to accept certain conditions of an organ which are treatable, in order to increase the probability of matching with a donor. It worked and I have no regrets. We will treat this virus and keep it at bay.

💪🏼