Donna's Testimony

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Donna. I am the Donna half of the Donna and Bill you’ve been praying for every week in the bulletin. Your prayers are not only needed, but they are deeply appreciated.

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I began attending this church in November 2014, and in January 2015, I officially became a member. I truly found my church—a place where I felt the Holy Spirit… home.

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In 2015, I was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver, and I had so many questions. What can I do to fix this? Is there a special diet? Are there medications? The first doctor I saw said, “The only thing you can do is wait until you need a liver transplant.” Wow! That was scary. I asked, “What do I do, Lord?” but didn’t feel I was hearing anything. So, I asked for more prayer. The doctor said not to worry and to try to destress because stress is detrimental to everyone. As for the transplant list, I needed a MELD score of 20; mine was about 14. He told me to eliminate beef and eat less broccoli. There was no medication to slow or fix the condition, only medication for the brain fog. Later, I found out it would cost $200 a month.

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The doctor continued to talk to me about potential internal bleeding and ruptured varices. He said to go to the ER if I noticed any signs. He also noticed I had ascites, fluid building in my abdomen, but said he wasn’t concerned for now. I had warning signs to watch for.

Then, at the end of July 2024, without any warning, the varices ruptured and I lost consciousness. By morning, Bill woke up and called an ambulance. That’s the last thing I remember for days. I stopped breathing and was put on a ventilator, in a drug-induced coma, while receiving transfusions and repairs to my varices. During that time, I saw my mom. Everything around us, including her clothing, was beige. No clouds, no colors, no angels—just beige and my mother. We spoke briefly, and she told me, “Donna, it’s not your time yet. You have to go back.” That was it. No more words, just a clear message.

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When I regained coherence, I realized that God wasn’t done with me. Despite my debilitated body, He has a purpose for me. I felt an overwhelming sense of warmth and love, knowing that my Heavenly Father loves me. The doctors and nurses all said I should have died, but I thanked and praised God for giving me another chance.

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My world changed. Colors became brighter, smells more intense, and my worries seemed smaller. God saved me, and I am completely in His hands.

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In October 2024, my varices ruptured again, and I received more repairs and transfusions. The doctors gave me devastating news, but my first coherent thought was that I needed to talk to God and my pastor. I went to the church building to speak with Pastor Brian, a compassionate man who cried and prayed with me. Along with my other health issues, I knew I needed God more than ever.

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In June 2024, a transplant specialist in Westchester informed me that my non-alcoholic cirrhosis was now classified as end-stage liver failure. I was dumbfounded. How did this happen? I had so many questions: What do I do now? How long before I get on the list? Is there anything I should or shouldn’t do? What signs should I watch for?

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Now, here we are in 2025. I’m still dealing with health issues and my liver is continuing to deteriorate, but I no longer worry about anything. I know, with every cell of my being, that my Father has it all under control. I constantly thank and praise Him. I stand on the scripture, “By His stripes we are healed,” from Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 2:24.

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God has healed my doubting and worrying mind, and He is working on my liver according to His will. My entire world has changed. I have more love to give, and my priorities have shifted. God is truly first in my life. Joy and peace surround me every day. The tough times are shorter and less significant. I know God more deeply and I don’t need to ask for more. I intend to enjoy every moment until I fulfill His purpose for me here on earth, and when the time comes, I will be called home.

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Isaiah 41:10 says, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” That’s a promise you can stand on!

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Your faithful servant,
Donna