Time flies; today I celebrate the 9th anniversary of my kidney transplant

 

Monday, May 9, 2022

Marking the 5th anniversary today of my life-saving kidney transplant

I'm feeling incredibly grateful today to have been part of a nine-way kidney transplant five years ago at Yale New Haven Hospital. 

I can't say enough good things about the doctors, nurses, and all who helped me through the entire process.

And I'm forever grateful to my altruistic donor, Robin Gilmartin. She is seated at my right in the photo. 

To my left is Ralph's wonderful sister, Sue Watson, for whom I'm also forever grateful. She got the ball rolling, so to speak, by coming forward to be a donor for me. It turned out her kidney was a better match for the man to her left, Bill Greenwood. 

Please click here to learn more about becoming an organ donor.

Ansonia Police Department recognizes dedication of dispatchers

 

 The Voices Behind the Badge | The Calm in Every Storm 

During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, the Ansonia Police Department proudly recognizes the dedicated professionals who serve as the first, first responder, our dispatchers. From moments of crisis to times of uncertainty, they are the steady voices providing guidance, reassurance, and lifesaving coordination when it matters most.

Their compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment ensure that help is always just a call away. Though they may not be seen on the front lines, their impact is felt in every response and every life touched.

Today, we extend our deepest gratitude to:

 Dispatcher Patterson
 Dispatcher Awalt
 Dispatcher Power
 Dispatcher Whitlock
 Dispatcher Houston
 Dispatcher Marcial

Thank you for being the lifeline of our community, the calm in the chaos, and the heroes behind the headset. Your dedication does not go unnoticed, and we are incredibly proud to have you as part of the Ansonia Police Department family.

Please join us in celebrating and thanking these outstanding individuals for their service!

St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Shop in Derby to reopen Monday

...Another year wiser. As we looked for the light in 2025, we were amazed how many beacons we found right in our own community. 

YOU all helped us help more neighbors in need than we ever have before! We hope you feel our gratitude. For donating. For shopping. For dropping off food. For volunteering in our thrift shop or pantry. For giving just a little bit more and even rallying your friends to our side. For all of this, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude. Happy 2026 everyone! ONWARD AND UPWARD!

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop in Derby grateful for community support

 

The best Christmas Eve I could ever imagine

How do I write this on Christmas Eve without it sounding trite? Here goes!

Our family was blessed this morning with a Christmas miracle and I couldn't be happier. God is good. Life is wonderful.

Aidan Ralph Nanna made his way into the world a bit early. He was due in early February and is only 3.5 pounds. He is in another state, but I hope to see my first grandchild soon.

Waiting for photos.

 

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop in Derby posts this week's sales

Sharing from the nonprofit's Facebook page:

"We are all feeling a LOT these days and GRATITUDE to all the kind souls supporting us is at the TOP!

"This includes our incredibly devoted volunteers and staff.

"We are continuing to increase our appointments and need good food to fill our outgoing grocery bags! We ask those in-need for your patience as we return the record-breaking numbers of phone messages as fast as we can."

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop and Food Bank in Derby reopens Jan. 3

We're ringing in the new year with:
#1 GRATITUDE for a generous community helping us help more people in need than ever before - with donated food, funds, thrift items, volunteerism, and thrift shopping!
         
Our restocking and refreshing fairies have a new year's resolution to keep our shop overflowing with beautiful, quality, and interesting treasures! 

Come to our cozy shop and see what we're all about!

This is shared from the organization's Facebook page. 

Seymour Oxford Food Bank official grateful for public's support

Monday Morning reminder that kindness and love exist.

As the Executive Director of the Seymour Oxford Food Bank I see beauty and kindness every day.

I see people come together as equals to help each other. To offer love, support and encouragement.

To be in this space is a true gift and if you have ever been to our food bank I hope you feel this too.

Thank you EVERYONE for continuing to support your neighbors.

The food bank is at 20 Pine St., Seymour.

This is shared from the organization's Facebook page.

Recuperation journey 2.0: Feeling grateful

This is yours truly on Monday when I 'graduated' from radiation. I crossed the finish line!  

Sending a big shoutout to the wonderful staff at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital who cared for me during my treatments and made me feel comfortable.

Onward and upward: One day at a time.

Ansonia First United Methodist Church to host gratitude journaling session

Start the New Year off right by learning how to and why it's so important to be grateful, while enjoying a light lunch.

The community is invited to the session at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 7 at the church, 47 Franklin St., Ansonia. 

Free journal and pen will be provided.

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

First United Methodist Church in Ansonia to host gratitude journaling session

ANSONIA - Start the New Year off right at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 7 at First United Methodist Church by learning how to and why it's so important to be grateful, while enjoying a light lunch.

The church is at 47 Franklin St. 

FREE Journal and pen will be provided.

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Cassetti thanks Ansonia police officers on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

Mayor David S. Cassetti would like to thank all of the Ansonia Police Department's dedicated men and women who go above and beyond to keep our city and residents safe.

You are our guardian angels, who put your lives on the line to protect ours. God bless each and every one of you.

This is shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Memorial Day: A day to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice

 

Marking the 5th anniversary today of my life-saving kidney transplant

I'm feeling incredibly grateful today to have been part of a nine-way kidney transplant five years ago at Yale New Haven Hospital. 

I can't say enough good things about the doctors, nurses, and all who helped me through the entire process.

And I'm forever grateful to my altruistic donor, Robin Gilmartin. She is seated at my right in the photo. 

To my left is Ralph's wonderful sister, Sue Watson, for whom I'm also forever grateful. She got the ball rolling, so to speak, by coming forward to be a donor for me. It turned out her kidney was a better match for the man to her left, Bill Greenwood. 

Please click here to learn more about becoming an organ donor.

Appreciation shown to Ansonia Fire Department

 

I'm kinda on edge here on Ansonia Hilltop this evening without any gas heat. My husband Ralph uses a wheelchair and cannot move around to keep warm as we wait to get our gas restored.

So when I heard fire trucks nearby on Ford Street I walked up the street to see what had happened and took these photos.

I heard it was a chimney fire but I have no official information. I want to give a big shout-out to the AFD for its quick response. 

Thank you to all who were on hand to keep our residents safe! You are appreciated.

Grateful for my kidney transplant on PKD Awareness Day (and every day)

I have Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease - it runs in my father's family. He and four of his five siblings suffered from it; he was on dialysis for five years back in the 1970s. 

From the PKD Foundation website:

"ADPKD is one of the most common, life-threatening genetic diseases. 

"In ADPKD, fluid-filled cysts develop and enlarge in both kidneys, eventually leading to kidney failure. It’s the fourth leading cause of kidney failure, and more than 50% of people with ADPKD will develop kidney failure by age 50. Once a person has kidney failure, dialysis or a transplant are the only options.

"Unlike some genetic diseases, ADPKD doesn’t skip a generation, meaning it often affects many people in one family."

In May 2017 I was extremely fortunate to receive a kidney from an altruistic donor, Robin Gilmartin of West Hartford. At that time I was very close to starting dialysis treatments. 

I can never thank her enough for her wonderful gift! Ever grateful!

Sharing gratitude for health care workers during COVID-19

Here's a link to today's Valley Voice newsletter thanking the medical staff at Griffin Hospital in Derby: 

https://3d62a228-eb5f-443c-a1ec-b9ff5c58ad34.filesusr.com/ugd/329bf6_7637ac2473c748b49c16bcabe79ef748.pdf

Recuperation journey: National Donate Life Month starts today

As someone who was fortunate enough to have a kidney transplant in 2017 I thought I'd post this as a reminder of becoming an organ donor. 
I can never thank my altruistic kidney donor, Robin Gilmartin, enough for her gift. 

Remember: you only need one kidney. If you're a healthy and fit adult (between ages 18-60) please consider being a living donor. 
You may just save someone's life.

'Pink warriors' to model in fashion show benefit in Oxford for Seymour Pink

I'm thrilled that I've been selected as a pink warrior and I'll be participating in the above-mentioned Day of Glamour at Quarry Walk in Oxford. 
In February 2011 I became one of many women in the Valley who has heard the dreaded words "you have breast cancer." 

I feel that each year since then has been a gift: eight and a half years and counting.

Today I want to thank the wonderful friend who nominated me to be a part of this fun event to benefit Seymour Pink! 

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host talk on 'Positive Psychology'

Griffin Hospital will host a free presentation May 22 about positive thinking and how it can help individuals cope with life stressors. /Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital will host a free presentation about positive thinking and how it can help individuals cope with life stressors and symptoms of depression at 6 p.m. May 22.

Deborah Ranilla, LCSW, and Emily Medina, LCSW, of Griffin Hospital’s Outpatient Psychiatry Department will host “Positive Psychology,” a free discussion on how gratitude, kindness, optimism, self-compassion, forgiveness, and other similar topics can improve well-being and help people live happier and more fulfilling lives.

This talk is part of Griffin Hospital's Healthy U Talks, a series of free wellness talks featuring Griffin Hospital medical experts and community partners providing trusted health information and answers to questions on a wide range of topics.

To reserve your spot or for more information, call 203-732-1511 or visit griffinhealth.org/events.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.