Ann Kerns-Bowley
Wife of Dennis Bowley
Daughter of Ed & Pat Bowley
Mother/Mother-in-Law to Carrie & Bret Schwerdtfeger, Jennifer & Clay Curtis, Nicole Bowley, Laura & Matt Stewart, Charles Bowley, Laura Rae Bowley and Scott Bowley
Nana to Cali and Adison Schwerdtfeger
Sister/Sister-in-Law to Terry Conroy, Mike Niner, Linda & Ed Ringer, Linda & John Zick, Paul Bowley & Belinda Ross, Randy Tribble & Lisa Hebert, Lynne & Jeff Lynn, Tom & Cheryl Bowley, Chris Jacobs, and Larry & Lori Kerns
41 Nieces and nephews (and growing)
Vice President/Partner – SMCI Construction

Ann Kerns-Bowley, a 46 year-old resident of West Fenwick Island, DE, needs your help. Ann has spent the last 19 years dealing with a very complex gastrointestinal illness that has recently culminated in transplant surgery. During Ann’s 17+-hour surgery she received a new digestive system of organs including a new stomach, duodenum, pancreas and small intestine. Only about 50 of these surgeries are performed annually worldwide. Ann’s team at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center led by Dr. Kareem perform 70% of the worldwide total. The procedure is extensive and expensive. Ann’s after care will extend for the remainder of her life.

Through the National Transplant Assistance Fund (NTAF), a fundraising campaign has been established to help defray uncovered expenses such as deductibles, co-payments, and prescriptions. The website is accessible at www.transplantfund.org. Donations may be made on-line via secure transaction processing. Mailed donations may be sent to NTAF Mid-Atlantic Multi-visceral Transplant Fund, 150 N. Radnor Chester Road, Suite #F120, Radnor, PA 19087. Please write In Honor of Ann Kerns-Bowley in the memo section of your check, money order or credit card payment. All donations are 100% tax deductible.

Ann’s initial diagnosis evolved in 1989 when she was 28. That Fall, Ann underwent her first of many surgeries to alleviate abdominal pain caused by disease that was believed to be isolated in the stomach. From 1989 to 1992, Ann had at least a half-dozen surgeries to relieve a variety of symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain and nausea. Her symptoms did not subside and eventually affected her entire digestive system. Ann was on prescription narcotic use for chronic pain, and total parenteral nutrition for sustenance, a regimen that caused her to have repeated catheter-related infections. During this time, Ann was diagnosed with SLE lupus, pseudo-obstructions, pernicious anemia, colitis, colonic inertia and small bowel dismotility. Her illness was affecting her entire digestive system.

From 1993 to 2001, Ann was able to tolerate her symptoms with various medical regimens. In 2001, Ann was beginning to frequent the hospital more often with recurrent abdominal pain. Ann had several surgeries between 2001 and 2006 to alleviate the recurring build-up of scar tissue and repair obstructions.

Since August 2006, Ann has not spent an entire month out of the hospital. Between surgeries, infections, and other procedures, her hospital time increased while her health continued to decline. When not hospitalized, Ann had consistent “bad days” consisting of abdominal pain and distention, dehydration and significant weight loss. All of this culminated in her multiple visceral organ transplant on February 21, 2008.

Those of us who have been with Ann throughout these last 19 years know a woman who has indomitable spirit and strength. Ann has endured all of her medical procedures and diagnoses with grace and a pragmatic “let’s get on with it” attitude. Ann managed to raise a family, build a business, care for a home, and be a good friend and neighbor, all the while suffering through extreme pain. Ann’s zest for life is unyielding. Her courage is an inspiration to us all.

It’s now our time to help her. Ann has been selfless in her generosity. Let’s do the same.

Sincerely,

Linda Ringer (sister)
301-467-0011
Linda195720769@yahoo.com
Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. This campaign is administered by the National Transplant Assistance Fund, a 501©(3)nonprofit providing fundraising assistance to transplant and catastrophic injury patients. Information: 800-642-839

If you would like to make a donation drop me an email so that I can email the donation form back to you (Lori_766@yahoo.com)

Thank you and God bless