Mari  is a fighter, determined and relentless to get better, always with a joyful and positive attitude. 

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In order to qualify for her islet transplant Mari needed to quit smoking. I was skeptical  that this was something she could tackle due to her long smoking history. But she did it !!! She looked at me and said: "ok, I quit", just like that she was done smoking (although I am sure it was not as easy as she made it look. 

 

After the transplant, she needed 9 months of additional medications compared to other transplant patients that were accompanied by bad side effects. But again, she did it  and again with a positive attitude. She did it, she went though that too. 

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On the day we told her  she was ready to stop insulin, she was so excited that she tripped and broke her elbow. She went through two surgeries and a long road to a fully recovery. 

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Mari, you have been the inspiration for all of us, you never give up and always bring a smile with you!

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