Lorna Zaworski

Lorna Zaworski was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1974.  Over time, she began to have low blood sugar episodes.  As the episodes become more frequent and more unpredictable, she began to worry that she would lose her job.  Lorna lost her drivers license because she was experiencing hypoglycemia unawareness.  Although she was on insulin and managing her diabetes the best she could, she had no control over her blood sugar.  

In January 1999, she saw a report on a local news story about diabetes and the work being done at the Diabetes Institute for Immunology and Transplantation.  She contacted the news station, got the number to the DIIT, talked to the staff at DIIT, and completed the clinical trials registration.  Lorna's fiance, Tom, and sons Rob, Curt, Jon and Jake were the reasons she needed to have an islet cell transplant (see photo). "As far as I'm concerned, these are my angels on Earth and I love them with all my heart!" she said. 

On July 15, 2000, Lorna married Tom.  When they returned from their honeymoon, Lorna and Tom found out that Lorna was put on the waiting list for an islet transplant.  In August 2000, Lorna had an islet cell transplant at the DIIT. Lorna was on insulin for about one month after the surgery, taking approximately 3 units of short term insulin a day. Then, she didn't need insulin for more than 4-1/2 years. She's now taking 3 units of insulin a day.

Lorna said, "the best change since the transplant is not having to worry about hypoglycemia."  She has regained the ability to do all the things she lost or couldn't do before the transplant.

She was able to keep her job, and can't thank the Minneapolis Public Schools enough for giving her a second chance, allowing her to have the transplant and wait until her health got better. She has been employed there for 13 years.

Lorna thanks God for making this dream come true for her.  In addition, she thanks Dr. Sutherland, Dr. Hering, the DIIT staff, the Clinical Research Center staff, the organ procurement organization's staff, her family, and her friends.  She also thanks the family of the person who passed away for having the courage to donate the organs that saved her life.  She said, "Thank you for your support and for making a dream come true for me and my family."