I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Introduction => The IHD Family - Our Members => Topic started by: okarol on April 22, 2014, 02:38:09 AM

Title: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: okarol on April 22, 2014, 02:38:09 AM
I have been honored to have served as admin on IHD since March 2008.
I joined IHD in 2006 and got to speak to with Epoman on Skype and on the phone in 2007, shortly after Jenna's transplant.
Sadly he passed away in Feb. 2007, before we could all meet at Tito's Tacos. A group of our members met there later with his widow Trina, and son Nick, and celebrated his life.
Then I served as a moderator under our dear Goofynina, who was the remaining admin. Thank God for the meet-ups in Las Vegas. She was one in a million. She served for another year before we lost her on Valentine's Day, 2008.
He was 32, she was 40. They were gone much too early, and I miss them both, along with many others we have lost along the way.
I have learned a lot the past 6 years and I want to thank the people who helped me. Sluff, you made me laugh many times when I was frustrated and didn't know what to do.
Zach, I can never thank you enough for your wisdom and helping us to avert a hostile takeover, you're a true friend.
Epowife, thank you for all your trust and belief in me. It has been a pleasure.
To mods Boxman55, Bajanne (RIP) and Epofriend (RIP), I miss you so.
Thanks Kitkatz, Rerun, Paris, RichardMel, JBeany, Poppylicious, Darthvader - I know you'll take good care of IHD. Much respect for your countless hours on volunteering on IHD! I am proud to have served with you.
There are so many sweet memories, making friends all over the world, late night chats, so much support for Jenna and I - it's been an amazing journey.
Tubes, Wattle, Lola, JBeany, Kitkatz, monrein, Meinuk, kellyt, aharris2, Bill Peckham, twirl, Chris, thegrammalady, glitter, Ken Shelmerdine; cariad, moosemom, sorry I know I am forgetting to name so many. Thank you so much for your friendship.
Many have gotten transplants and moved on with their lives, vandie, charee, tamara, angela515, Joe Paul, karen547 and more. Best wishes always.
When I started as admin we had 800 members. I never dreamed we would reach nearly 10,000!
What an awesome idea Epoman had nearly 9 years ago, creating IHD. His spirit lives on in his words on these pages.
It's still the best site of it's kind, bar none. I hope it continues to be a place where members can rant, gather knowledge, get support, and make some great friends along the way.
This isn't really goodbye. I will continue to stay on as a member because we still need IHD, with Jenna back on dialysis and trying to find another donor.
This is where my focus lies, on her health, advocating for care and supporting her quest for another transplant.
But I am leaving the admin side of things to Kitkatz and Sluff, and wish you all the best for the forum.
Thank you for letting me be of service. It's been a life-changing experience.
You will all hold a very special place in my heart.  :thx; :thx; :thx;
 :waving;
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: willowtreewren on April 22, 2014, 04:33:50 AM
 :grouphug; :grouphug;

You will be missed.  :'(

But your energies are needed elsewhere.  :cuddle; :cuddle;

Aleta
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: natnnnat on April 22, 2014, 04:40:19 AM
Wow!  Good for you Okarol, you have to focus on Jenna now.   :beer1; :beer1; :beer1;  Here's to you and Jenna. 
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: Darthvadar on April 22, 2014, 05:02:00 AM
Thanks for everything, Karol....

Keep in touch... You know where to find us!...

Darth....
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: cassandra on April 22, 2014, 05:03:21 AM
Thanx for everything you've done Okarol!! All the best to you, Jenna, and your fam, and friends.

Lots of love, Cas
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: Wattle on April 22, 2014, 05:31:35 AM
 :flower;    You did an amazing job Okarol.
 I will always be so thankful for IHD and the friendships I have made. Our late night chats with Susie and the gang  were a true lifesaver in the depths of home dialysis.  It's been difficult losing friends along the way and moving forward with new challenges a transplant  brings but we all solider on.
It's time to focus on you for awhile and  spend more time with your gorgeous family.  You hold a special place in my heart   :-*
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: talker on April 22, 2014, 05:56:25 AM
   
were Bill "Epoman" Halcomb created a wheel,
called it
IHateDialysis,
that was a sturdy wheel, many were the spokes,
I was a spoke in that wheel,
is some thing, no one can steal,
I am
'okarol'
though I say goodbye, I am saying hello,
same wheel, same spoke,
not broke
very much
like,
Wabi-sabi
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: Neo on April 22, 2014, 06:01:44 AM
You helped me through a lot on here when I had no one else to turn to during my 9 years on dialysis. This sites service to patients is immeasurable. Now I'm educated transplanted and healthy. Thanks for all you've done to raise awareness..  :thx;
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: gothiclovemonkey on April 22, 2014, 06:06:53 AM
 :grouphug;
I hope she finds her gift soon
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: Joe on April 22, 2014, 06:52:11 AM
Karol, will miss your firm hand on the tiller, but it know you have left things in capable hands. Your focus is right where it should be, and I'm sending best wishes that Jenna finds a match soon. I'll continue to support the cause on FB. See you around the boards.
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: monrein on April 22, 2014, 07:22:53 AM
You will be missed in your role but I and so many others will always be grateful for what you have done and continue to do. I'm so glad that I've had the chance to get to know you here, in person and on Facebook. My husband still tells people about how you were the first person he phoned after my second transplant five years ago because he was so touched by your caring and concern and wanted to let you know that all had gone well. Jenna is of course very lucky to have you as her mother but we all benefit from from your thoughtfulness, your advocacy and your incredible support. Huge hugs and all best wishes.  :guitar:
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: okarol on April 22, 2014, 08:17:22 AM
 :grouphug; Thank you all.  :flower;
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: jeannea on April 22, 2014, 08:31:08 AM
I'll miss your voice of reason. You've helped us all as admin. I hope Jenna finds her match soon.
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: Rerun on April 22, 2014, 08:43:14 AM
Yo Bitch, I have your phone number!  (sorry been watching Breaking Bad)

          :flower;

Let us know when Jenna gets her donor.  Prayers your way.

Thank you for all you have done for us.

Sluff and Kitkatz will do a great job.    :waving; 
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: thegrammalady on April 22, 2014, 09:12:10 AM
Thank Karol for everything. You will be missed. You have been a very big part of making this forum what it is today. Bill would be do proud.
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: MooseMom on April 22, 2014, 09:49:17 AM
I think this is great news because although being admin/owner of IHD is the second most important job on the planet, being The World's Greatest Mom is the first.

Jenna is lucky to have you, Okarol, and we are more than willing to share you with her. :thumbup;

I will not be sad because I know that you will be checking in to keep us updated on Jenna's dialysis and your and your family's quest for finding another living donor for her.  You know that we are here to support you all in any way we can.

Thank you for all of your work here on this site.  It seems like there is a new member every day, so the site is growing, but I'm sure our current admins/mod are up to the task of keeping things under control.

We love you and admire you, and we pray for only the brightest of outcomes for Jenna.  Our love goes out to your entire family.

 :grouphug;
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: UkrainianTracksuit on April 22, 2014, 10:58:29 AM
Momma bears have to look after their cubs first.  Thank you for all that you have done and best wishes to Jenna.
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: noahvale on April 22, 2014, 11:02:25 AM
*
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: charee on April 22, 2014, 01:04:00 PM
Just wanted to say thanks Karol for all your work to this great site. I might not get on much any more but this place holds a special place in my heart.  I have "met" some wonderful people over the years that have helped me through my time on dialysis   . Best of luck with everything. Hoping Jenna gets that call very soon.  Xx
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: kristina on April 22, 2014, 02:24:10 PM

You will be missed and I thank you for your care and your time...

... I have often read the latest news from the medical world about kidney developments etc.
... and I am very grateful for your research...

Sending you and your family all my best wishes and I do hope that Jenna gets the call soon...

Kind regards from Kristina.
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: goofball on April 22, 2014, 02:49:36 PM
Thank you, and I send you good thoughts and love.
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: galvo on April 22, 2014, 09:30:20 PM
Love ya, Karol! Don't be a complete stranger. Who is going to keep me under control?
 Best thoughts to Jenna!
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: okarol on April 22, 2014, 11:46:32 PM
Quote from: galvo on April 22, 2014, 09:30:20 PM
Love ya, Karol! Don't be a complete stranger. Who is going to keep me under control?
 Best thoughts to Jenna!

I've got my eye on you!  :rofl;
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: Bambino_Bear on April 23, 2014, 12:45:39 AM
Best wishes to you and Jenna!!

Reading about her journey and starting PD helped me a lot with my own fears when hubby started his PD.  So thank you for sharing part of your life with us. 

 :flower;
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: cariad on April 23, 2014, 12:50:20 AM
Ah, Karol, love and admire you and always will! If you're ever in England, our door is open! You've touched my life in a way that few people could. Thanks for everything.
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: SooMK on April 23, 2014, 02:00:03 AM
I don't have the history that so many people here do but I know what a lot of work it must be to keep IHD going. Thanks for your work on this great site and it's great to know you will be around. Wishing you only the best.
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: Zach on April 23, 2014, 06:07:48 AM
Quote from: okarol on April 22, 2014, 02:38:09 AM

Zach, I can never thank you enough for your wisdom and helping us to avert a hostile takeover, you're a true friend.


okarol, what can I say?
It has been my pleasure knowing and working with you over these few years.

Takeovers … mergers … they all want us!
So I guess I Hate Dialysis isn't a bad name after all.  :P

You know we'll keep in touch.

Love and luck,
--Zach
 8)

Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: Ninanna on April 23, 2014, 07:57:56 AM
Quote from: SooMK on April 23, 2014, 02:00:03 AM
I don't have the history that so many people here do but I know what a lot of work it must be to keep IHD going. Thanks for your work on this great site and it's great to know you will be around. Wishing you only the best.

Couldn't have said it better. I hope Jenna is able to get a kidney soon!
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: Poppylicious on April 23, 2014, 01:03:07 PM
*huggles* Karol. Thank you for helping to keep this site alive. Keep popping in often!

 ;D
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: okarol on April 26, 2014, 01:50:39 AM
 :thx; :thx; :thx;
Thanks to all who have posted. It means a lot to me.  :cuddle;
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: Gerald Lively on April 26, 2014, 10:32:07 AM
Well, . . . . . uh . . . . . heck . . . . . . you, uh, hmmmmmmm. . . . . . this is confirmation - I just got here and you leave, it's my bad breath, isn't it?  Or is it that time you caught me smooching with Moosemom and you said something that I forgot after you beat me up.  Wait a minute, that was another forum, the "I love Dialysis" group.

Find joy, happiness, and stop to smell the flowers.
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: okarol on April 27, 2014, 01:33:33 AM
Quote from: Gerald Lively on April 26, 2014, 10:32:07 AM
Well, . . . . . uh . . . . . heck . . . . . . you, uh, hmmmmmmm. . . . . . this is confirmation - I just got here and you leave, it's my bad breath, isn't it?  Or is it that time you caught me smooching with Moosemom and you said something that I forgot after you beat me up.  Wait a minute, that was another forum, the "I love Dialysis" group.

Find joy, happiness, and stop to smell the flowers.

 :rofl; :rofl;
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: Sugarlump on April 27, 2014, 07:33:57 AM
Bye Karol and thanks xThrough this site I have met and made friends with many people that have really helped me and we have just
had our first UK meet with 12 attendees.  :waving;
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: okarol on April 27, 2014, 11:05:49 AM
Quote from: Sugarlump on April 27, 2014, 07:33:57 AM
Bye Karol and thanks xThrough this site I have met and made friends with many people that have really helped me and we have just
had our first UK meet with 12 attendees.  :waving;

 :2thumbsup; :2thumbsup; :2thumbsup;
Thank you Sugarlump!
That's so fabulous about your meet-up!
Meeting IHD family has been a great experience for me!
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: kristina on April 27, 2014, 11:07:35 AM
Hello Karol,

                 I have tried to send you a message but it was not accepted because your letterbox is full....

Best wishes from Kristina.
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: okarol on April 27, 2014, 11:09:12 AM
Quote from: kristina on April 27, 2014, 11:07:35 AM
Hello Karol,

                 I have tried to send you a message but it was not accepted because your letterbox is full....

Best wishes from Kristina.
Yes, as admin I had tons of storage, but now it's completely full.
Please feel free to email me at kidney4jenna@yahoo.com
 :flower;
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: aharris2 on July 05, 2014, 03:45:40 PM
Okarol,

You are amazing. I never could understand how you did so much, where you found the energy, how you managed to fit 48 hrs into a 24 hr day. Allow me to be selfish and note that I always had a secret dread of this day (as well as an ongoing fear anytime we lose anyone.)

Best wishes on the continuing saga that is life. I hope to continue to see you here (and maybe in Las Vegas???). I do see you on facebook. Don't disappear!
 :bestwishes;
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: kellyt on August 13, 2014, 01:21:31 PM
Love you, girl.    :)
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: Chris on August 13, 2014, 10:09:21 PM
Well think of it this way, it's one step closer to taking a long deserved vacation and once Jenna has a transplant and in stable condition I hope you can take a nice long deserved vacation. ;D


Thank You for the many text during my multiple hospital stays.
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: okarol on August 19, 2014, 01:48:17 PM
 :waving; Hello, I am still posting news stories when I can. Very grateful that Kitkatz has done such a great job as admin!  :thx;
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: Rerun on August 19, 2014, 02:01:23 PM
Yes, Kitkats has done a wonderful job all by herself..

                     :flower;
Title: Re: Time for okarol to retire, leaving IHD admins to take over
Post by: okarol on November 26, 2014, 02:56:53 PM
Quote from: Rerun on August 19, 2014, 02:01:23 PM
Yes, Kitkats has done a wonderful job all by herself..

                     :flower;

Me too - for 6 years!!