Here is my story Frank Rivera, on Diana Rivera my wife
but most importantly my Savior of my life!!!
Diana and I met online Facebook to be exact in 2008. Once we
started to talk I knew she was the one for me. We have so many of the same
tastes in many things. We just hit it off! One problem was that I was living in
Oklahoma and she was living in New York. Well you see we decided to take the
big leap and meet, Diana came over to Oklahoma to roam the farms and herds to
meet me. When she got there it was like we knew each other forever. Well since
I was originally from NY it only took me a month for me to move back to New
York to be with Diana. Her personality and smile will get you as soon as you
see her. Well all was going well for a while, we found out we were going to
have a baby girl in April 2011. Well that is where things changed. Baby
Isabella Joy Rivera was born January 3, 2011, after only 24 weeks due to the
fluids were going back into the embryo. Well Isabella fought a tough battle for
5 days but she was too underdeveloped to live so on January 8, 2011 she passed
away. It was Diana’s first child so of course it hit us very hard. Well that
alone would be enough for anyone, but on January 23,2011 I was having abdomen
pains so I went to the emergency room to find out that in a CT Scan they happen
to find 2 masses in both lower lobes of my lungs. Well after a full body scan
they also found more masses on my lymph nodes. After all that they discovered
it is a rare disease called Sarcoidosis. So like many people I am thinking
“well at least it’s not cancer”. Well little did we know that Bernie Mac died
of Sarcoidosis, as did Reggie White (football player), some current stars have it
also like Tisha Campbell and Karen Duffy, a model. Also on Michael Clarke
Duncan’s death certificate has Sarcoidosis as listed as possible helper cause.
Well enough of that. The reason I went in so deep is because Sarcoidosis has
affected my daily life, my eyes, sarcoidosis arthritis, and my breathing. It is
one of those diseases they always say” But you look great!” It also a disease
with no cure! Well if it wasn’t for Diana I don’t think I would be alive today.
In the past 2 years I have gone through
4 surgeries, gallbladder removal(7/2011), colon resection(10/2011), perforated
colon( with sepsis all over my body that almost killed me) (4/2012) and just
October 10,2012 I had a colostomy bag reversal with a hernia repair. In
February of 2013, I found out that my Sarcoidosis in my eyes has gotten worse
and my tear ducts in my left eye do not produce any tears. While that was going
on the Sarcoidosis in my arthritis also got worse so now I am on a drug called
Methotrexate chemotherapy. Without it I could lose my eyesight as well as not
being able to walk again, I have to use a cane now. I filed for disability in
October 2011 and got denied the first time so I had to hire a lawyer that would
only collect if we won my disability case. I am personally broke if it wasn’t
for Diana I would have nothing. I just had my second disability hearing in
February which looks promising, but disability is really only a small amount of
money that will help but not take the place of a real job that I would so like
to be able to get back to. Because of the medicine and my severely compromised
immune system and my wife’s job we have been sleeping in different beds. We got
married September 17, 2011, best day of our life, but right after the honeymoon
I was back in the hospital for over 25 days. So as you can see Diana is my
SAINT and ROCK through this whole process. I haven’t been able to work in 2
years, so she is the bread winner as well as my physical therapist, nutrionist,
and my psychiatrist. I really believe she is so worthy of any recognition. I am
not looking for money and if you know Diana, publicity is not what she wants
either, though she deserves that and more. I just know that it has been so hard
on her and she deserves something, anything!!! I would be forever grateful to you.
There is another reason I wrote this to you is to let you know and the world
know we really don’t give enough recognition to the families and or friends of
people who are ill and depend on others to help them get through the day.
Here are just some comments that have been said by people
that Diana Rivera has affected in her life. As you can read there is so much
generosity as well as sincerity. As you know it is tough enough to be a
caregiver, but to also lose a 5 day old child as well puts such a strain on
anyone. Then to top it all off she is a
lead Preschool Teacher at Stony Brook Childcare in charge of infants and
toddlers. If you ask any of her current or past parents they would all say
without a doubt she is the most caring deserving person.
Here is a video that I made up to show the love of Diana from many people. Some say things, some show themselves in pictures. You will totally understand what I mean when I show you the video.Why Diana is so loved!
Diana-You're such a
wonderful/beautiful wife. I haven't even met you in person and yet I aspire to
be more like you!!!! Thank you so much for becoming a friend and taking such
awesome care of my other friend 
- Thanks for being a great caregiver for frank.... he speaks greatly of u.... I am a caregiver and also have sarcoidosis and fibromyalgia so I know how hard it is and what all u go through.... it is very rough when he is very sick but can tell u are strong..... keep up the good work
My friend Frank is very sick with Sarcoidosis and
many other problems, they have both really had a rough trot.
His wife Diana has been his rock, breadwinner and support through 4 surgeries:- gallbladder, colon resection, perforation of colon and sepsis(that one he almost died) and now a colostomy bag reversal and hernia repair not to mention the Sarcoidosis in my lungs, eyes, lymph nodes and sarcoidosis related arthritis. Diana is his whole world, keeping him sane, then she went back to work at a child care where she takes care of many children who love her. On Jan.8, 2011 they lost their darling baby Isabella Joy after only being with them for 5 days.
Diana also took care of her dad and stayed by his side and taking on all the decision making for the family during this tough time.
Diana will and always does for others before herself. Her family always comes first. She is the only one that has a job at the moment. Child care salary isn't much but she manages to help her mum as well as her and her husband Frank.
I would love for you to consider this story.
And if you cannot help this lady, would you please do a segment on Sarcoidosis, the real story of how they suffer. So many google sites are crap and gloss over how serious it can be for a lot of people.
And thank you in advance
Teri Welch
Perth Australia
His wife Diana has been his rock, breadwinner and support through 4 surgeries:- gallbladder, colon resection, perforation of colon and sepsis(that one he almost died) and now a colostomy bag reversal and hernia repair not to mention the Sarcoidosis in my lungs, eyes, lymph nodes and sarcoidosis related arthritis. Diana is his whole world, keeping him sane, then she went back to work at a child care where she takes care of many children who love her. On Jan.8, 2011 they lost their darling baby Isabella Joy after only being with them for 5 days.
Diana also took care of her dad and stayed by his side and taking on all the decision making for the family during this tough time.
Diana will and always does for others before herself. Her family always comes first. She is the only one that has a job at the moment. Child care salary isn't much but she manages to help her mum as well as her and her husband Frank.
I would love for you to consider this story.
And if you cannot help this lady, would you please do a segment on Sarcoidosis, the real story of how they suffer. So many google sites are crap and gloss over how serious it can be for a lot of people.
And thank you in advance
Teri Welch
Perth Australia
My dear friend and co-worker Diana truly deserves
recognition for the strength and perseverance she has displayed over an
extremely trying two years. In January of 2011 her daughter Isabella Joy was
born prematurely and after fighting hard for several days, she passed away.
Despite her grief she soon returned to her job as a teacher of infants and
toddlers, and unfailingly cared for other people's babies and children while mourning
her own, and she did so with devotion, professionalism, and true strength.
Six months later Diana celebrated her wedding to her husband Frank and all who love her were happy to see things looking up for her. Unfortunately their happiness was short-lived as Frank began suffering from an array of symptoms that were eventually diagnosed as sarcoidosis, which is a chronic illness. Diana has seen Frank through four surgeries already, including one life-threatening one. He has also been unable to work leaving Diana as the sole wage-earner for their family. She has been his rock and his strength. Diana deserved to be recognized for the strength of character and loving devotion she has shown through a such challenging times, and doing it all with an unfailing spirit and an open heart.
I hope this is what you had in mind, and that it works! Much luck and love to you both!!
~Jill
Six months later Diana celebrated her wedding to her husband Frank and all who love her were happy to see things looking up for her. Unfortunately their happiness was short-lived as Frank began suffering from an array of symptoms that were eventually diagnosed as sarcoidosis, which is a chronic illness. Diana has seen Frank through four surgeries already, including one life-threatening one. He has also been unable to work leaving Diana as the sole wage-earner for their family. She has been his rock and his strength. Diana deserved to be recognized for the strength of character and loving devotion she has shown through a such challenging times, and doing it all with an unfailing spirit and an open heart.
I hope this is what you had in mind, and that it works! Much luck and love to you both!!
~Jill
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Diana. Like these Geese, we all need someone to
lean on in times of need. Frank has you. I have Kathy. Thank You for caring and
supporting Frank through the good times and bad. Words are not adequate to
describe the support you have shown.
o
A TRIBUTE TO DIANA
Diana, when all things fell apart around you and Frank, you made you made a very bleak looking world into a blessed world for you and Frank.
With two hats, one in each hand, I am a patient with MS and Sarcoidosis, who needs a caretaker, but who must also be a caretaker for my husband, I feel I can say with some authority, I can appreciate what a caretaker is, means, goes through just to get the job done. This is just the start on what you have gone through in the last ever so long months.
It takes a lot of love to make it through just the transition to their new roles as a couple when one spouse gets ill and need that extra help. A spousal caretaker has far more emotional pain for they have to actually deal with a life time adjustment some times. How will affect my world? At first, it seems like “What can I do?" but can often times become a burden and quite a life change. There has been much research done on this by the MS Society. I use to work for them. The majority of partners don't make it, and the breakup. This happens largely within the first two years. Transition is the largest factor. Those who do make it, usually have a stronger marriage as time goes on. I see you, Frank and Diana, one of those couples.
Diana and Frank have made it through this, Frank could no longer work, so you stepped in there, plus had an added job of taking care of Frank whether you were tired, had a bad day at work, or was dealing with other stresses in your own life. You constantly were building up Frank, making sure everything was OK for Frank, giving a 110% of herself to husband. You helped him deal with very serious operations as you were also dealing with them for yourself. It is hard to say in a few words all that you went through and accomplished. The worry about her husband, day to day issues, everything.
As a couple, you also suffered the biggest loss parents can have, the loss of your baby girl, Isabelle Joy. These two major stresses, here adding ,the care taking adding on to this, being the bread winner, could have broken the best of women, but NOT DIANA! When it all rained down on them, You blossomed. Frank is a very appreciative husband who wants you to really know deep down in in his heart he loves and appreciates his precious wife. From your friends you may or may not have met yet, THANK YOU, DIANA. YOU ARE LOVED AND APPRECIATED!
Diana, when all things fell apart around you and Frank, you made you made a very bleak looking world into a blessed world for you and Frank.
With two hats, one in each hand, I am a patient with MS and Sarcoidosis, who needs a caretaker, but who must also be a caretaker for my husband, I feel I can say with some authority, I can appreciate what a caretaker is, means, goes through just to get the job done. This is just the start on what you have gone through in the last ever so long months.
It takes a lot of love to make it through just the transition to their new roles as a couple when one spouse gets ill and need that extra help. A spousal caretaker has far more emotional pain for they have to actually deal with a life time adjustment some times. How will affect my world? At first, it seems like “What can I do?" but can often times become a burden and quite a life change. There has been much research done on this by the MS Society. I use to work for them. The majority of partners don't make it, and the breakup. This happens largely within the first two years. Transition is the largest factor. Those who do make it, usually have a stronger marriage as time goes on. I see you, Frank and Diana, one of those couples.
Diana and Frank have made it through this, Frank could no longer work, so you stepped in there, plus had an added job of taking care of Frank whether you were tired, had a bad day at work, or was dealing with other stresses in your own life. You constantly were building up Frank, making sure everything was OK for Frank, giving a 110% of herself to husband. You helped him deal with very serious operations as you were also dealing with them for yourself. It is hard to say in a few words all that you went through and accomplished. The worry about her husband, day to day issues, everything.
As a couple, you also suffered the biggest loss parents can have, the loss of your baby girl, Isabelle Joy. These two major stresses, here adding ,the care taking adding on to this, being the bread winner, could have broken the best of women, but NOT DIANA! When it all rained down on them, You blossomed. Frank is a very appreciative husband who wants you to really know deep down in in his heart he loves and appreciates his precious wife. From your friends you may or may not have met yet, THANK YOU, DIANA. YOU ARE LOVED AND APPRECIATED!
·
I am
writing you with the hopes that you can help us show Diana Rivera how great she
is! Diana married my cousin Frank about 2 years ago and i am amazed by how big
her heart is! Diana has had a lot to deal with in the past couple of years, she
has suffered a loss of a child and Frank has Sarcoidosis and is in and out of
the hospital. Frank's mother passed away and he really has not much contact
with his siblings so Diana is pretty much is entire family. She has stood by
his side 150%. Diana is a lead teacher at Stony Brook children center and her
coworkers absolutely adore her. I believe her act of kindness would be
"just being Diana" And to me it makes her very special!!!! please
help us show her how great of a person she is!!!! Thank You!
Hi Diana, I'm not in any shape to be on video right now so I
thought it best to send a message & photo. This photo is of me & my
beautiful husband Chris, about the last time I felt good. You are to Frank what
Chris is to me-“my everything”. I know how hard it must be to be the carer
because I see the stress it puts on my Chris & because I was a Social
Trainer for 25 years, working with people with disabilities. Thank you for your
courage, your strength, your caring & loving. Knowing Frank has you is wonderful
because you are wonderful in all that you are & all that you do. Bless you
always, love to you & Frank
·
Diana~When I think of you I think of strength.
Frank and your life have really showed me true love!!
