PHOTO BY BEVERLY CROWL

 

Nancy Arocho’s life couldn’t have looked brighter when she moved from Puerto Rico to Georgetown, Delaware, in 2005, at the age of 25.  A graduate of the University of Puerto Rico with a degree in Science, she had been recruited by Perdue Farms as a Production Supervisor, where she would oversee 55 employees in the processing plant. 

 

Less than one year later, symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and shortness of breath became a diagnosis of Lupus.  Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body when the immune system can no longer recognize good healthy cells, tissues and organs from the foreign bacteria or viruses, and begins to attack everything.   Symptoms vary widely with each individual, and often include underlying symptoms of physical exhaustion and depression.

 

Nancy endured traumatic experiences during the next few years.    A bacterial infection grew out of control and she went into a coma with collapsed lungs, failed kidneys, and two heart attacks.  Waking up, she discovered that her leg had been amputated. 

 

She continued to face challenges.   Nancy attempted to return to work, but was unable to meet the physical requirements of the job.   She went from doctor to doctor with various symptoms.  She had to learn which foods she could and couldn’t eat with Lupus. 

 

She remembers, “When I lost my leg, I tried to go back to work, but Lupus made me too sick, so I had to go on disability.  It was so hard to accept the fact that I was disabled.   When I joined Facebook, I found old friends who were now studying for their Master’s Degree or working in excellent jobs.  I felt jealous.  I was so embarrassed for myself.  I was 25 when all of this happened.  I considered myself a beautiful young adult, finally in control of my life and my decisions.  Now I’m 30 and I miss those five years I feel I never lived. “

 

However, Nancy possesses a strong will and sense of purpose, and it was just a matter of time for her to turn the tide.  She credits Delaware Hospice’s Transitions program for helping lift her out of the downward spiral. 

 

She said, “I found a brochure about Transitions in my doctor’s office and eventually found the courage to make a call, because I felt desperate. 

 

Al Morris, the Transitions coordinator, has helped me in so many ways since then.  When I’m depressed, he’s given me suggestions to cheer up, or how to move ahead.  He talked about the community programs available which I might be interested in.  He knew about tools that would help me to get in and out of my car.  I have a Transitions volunteer, Regina Hansen, who calls weekly to find out how I’m doing or if I need anything.  Delaware Hospice has helped me with paperwork for Medicaid and set me up with a vocation rehabilitation organization. “

 

Al Morris feels honored by his association with Nancy.  “She’s a great role model, who doesn’t let her disability hold her back.”

 

Nancy also credits her husband and family for their great support through the past five years.   She said, “My marriage was a true love story.  My fiancé drove a couple of hours after working  12-hour shifts to come to visit me in the hospital after I lost my leg, and he insisted on marrying me, even when I was in a deep depression.”

 

Today, she’s found a new independence.  “I have a power wheelchair and a Trail Blazer.  I can power out to the car, hop in the car, throw the chair in the back, and go wherever I want. "

 

Nancy has also discovered a new purpose in life.  She started a bilingual Facebook page for Lupus, where she presently has 700 members from around the world.  There, she shares and translates interesting and informative articles for Lupus sufferers, and members share their challenges and solutions in an ever-growing support network.

 

Through her contacts in Delaware, she’s been motivated to start a Lupus support group.  The “Lupus Support Group of Southern Delaware” will hold its first meeting on Wednesday, September 8th, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., at the Easter Seals, 22317 DuPont Blvd., in Georgetown.  The Group will continue meeting on the 2nd Wednesday of every month.

 

To learn more about how Delaware Hospice’s Transitions program can help you or a family member cope with a serious illness, call 800-838-9800 and ask to speak with a Transitions coordinator or visit:  www.delawarehospice.org.

 

By Beverly Crowl

About Delaware Hospice
Since 1982, Delaware Hospice has provided exceptional care and support to nearly 35,000 patients and their families.  Its mission is to help each patient, each day, live the fullest, most comfortable life possible.  Delaware Hospice is the largest and only licensed, nonprofit, community-based hospice serving New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties in Delaware and southern Chester and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania.    Delaware Hospice is honored to be accredited by the Joint Commission, the nation’s leading health care standards-setting and accrediting organization.  For more information about Delaware Hospice’s programs and services, upcoming events, or employment opportunities, call 800-838-9800 or visit our website, www.delawarehospice.org.

 

MEDIA CONTACT:   
Beverly Crowl, Public Relations Specialist
302-547-1816  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Twitter: @PR4DEHOSPICE
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DelawareHospice