Sylvia’s Corner

Sylvia's Journey

Greetings friends & family,

Coffee Break

“Troubled Heart”

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” John 14:1

How do we not let our hearts be troubled (anxious, distressed, disquieted, agitated) when we live in a wicked world? When we are perplexed on every side? When society is acting in a Godless manner? When evil men are getting more powerful? When temptations are pressing upon us? When the cares of this life are trying to choke out God’s word in is? When besetting sins are binding us? When the enemy is attacking us? When we are being persecuted for our faith? When bad reports are all around us? How do we do it? How is it possible not to be troubled in our heart?

The answer:  “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)  When we keep our mind (also means heart) stayed on Him/the Lord, which doesn’t mean that we are just to constantly think about the Lord and nothing else, but the word means to have our mind firmly leaning up Him. When our hearts/minds are firmly leaning/trusting upon Him, He will keep us in not just peace but perfect peace. Perfect peace means to have completeness, soundness, quietness and contentment. When our hearts/minds are at rest, content, whole and well, they are not troubled.

So how do we keep our minds on the Lord?  “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:1)  When you are tempted to be troubled in your heart, renew your mind. Renew it in God’s Word. Combat those thoughts that would make you anxious with His Word. Capture those thoughts that make you afraid with His Word. Counteract them with His Word. His Word brings life, health, peace, joy, contentment, etc. As you are transforming your mind with God’s Word, you are at the same time keeping it stayed on Him because He is the Word. (John 1:1)

Have a great day. Don’t let your heart be troubled. Keep it on God.

Warmly

Sugar

Sylvia’s Corner

LIFE AFTER TRANSPLANT

By Sugar Lopez

Celebrating One Year of New Life. On July 31st of this year, I celebrated the one-year anniversary of receiving a second chance at life—a gift of a kidney transplant for the second time. Words cannot fully express how humbled, blessed, and thankful I feel for each new day that God allows me to wake up, breathe, and begin again—by the side of my husband Daniel, and knowing that I have friends like you.

In our last newsletter, Becky shared a beautiful reflection on dialysis through her eyes. Becky was my companion for over a year while I was on dialysis, and for that, I am eternally grateful. She was a true blessing. It meant so much knowing that a friend would call around 7 a.m. PT to check in. I started treatment at 5 a.m. and was usually done by 9 a.m.—that is, if all went smoothly.

I still have the precious Winnie the Pooh blanket she gifted me, lovingly draped over a chest of keepsakes. That blanket brought me comfort through so many moments of tears, confusion, conflict, and fear. But there was also hope. There was positivity. And above all, there was the constant assurance that I was being held tightly in God’s hands.

Holding On Through the Hard Days

My faith never wavered during that time. That’s not to say I was superhuman—not at all. I had hard days, just like anyone would. We’re all human, and we all feel the weight of our struggles—especially when they are matters of life and death.

Let me explain: many of my friends passed away while undergoing dialysis. I would be talking to someone beside me, and then suddenly—silence. That stillness would often mean they had gone to a better place. It made me realize just how fragile each treatment truly was.

Each time my husband Daniel lovingly helped me into the clinic—checking my weight, adjusting my oxygen tubing to help stabilize my blood pressure—and kissed me goodbye before heading to work, I would sit there with tears in my eyes, silently praying: “Oh God, is that the last kiss I’ll get from my husband? Is today my last day on dialysis? Will I get to see my baby boy in heaven today?” And though part of me longed for that eternal peace, I knew deep in my heart that my work here on earth was not finished. Each time I completed a session, I would turn to my technician and say, “I survived another treatment!” That was my quiet victory cry.

Comfort Under the Blanket

I often hid beneath my blanket during those hours, just as Becky mentioned. It was comforting to hear her voice and to feel the gentle touch of my techs patting my leg, whispering kind and reassuring words. I will forever hold those memories dear.

While under that blanket, I spent much of my time thanking God for letting me make it to DaVita one more day. I prayed for the friends I had lost in the clinic, and for all who encouraged me and prayed over me. I remember whispering, “Lord, just for today.”

I never asked, “Why me?” and I never blamed anyone—not even God. But yes, I had moments of doubt. I still do. What keeps me going is my family, my daughter, and knowing that my purpose here isn’t over yet.

Now, one year post-transplant, I am doing well—and I give God all the glory. The anti-rejection medications aren’t easy. The side effects can be harsh, and I wouldn’t wish them on anyone. But the trade-off is no more dialysis, no more waking up at 3:30 a.m., and the freedom to travel without worrying about finding a dialysis center. And yes—finally, I can drink all the water I want!

People say to me, “Oh Sugar, now that you’ve had your transplant, life must be so much better and easier.” In many ways, they’re right. Not having to go through dialysis is a tremendous blessing. But the reality is, I now live with new responsibilities—like taking my medications faithfully and being especially cautious, because I’m still a Type 1 diabetic.

Diabetes doesn’t rest. In fact, it works even harder now, trying to attack my new kidney. That’s why I have to be more disciplined than ever. I often remind myself: “I have control over diabetes. Diabetes does not have control over me.”

Life after transplant is a new beginning—but one that comes with new responsibilities and a deeper understanding of how to care for my gift of life. At first, we had to drive to UC Davis in Sacramento multiple times a week. Over time, those visits were reduced to once a month, and now, only once every three months. At the end of July, I’ll officially “graduate” from UC Davis and transition to the care of my local nephrologist.

I’ll continue having lab work done for as long as I live with this new kidney—and I gladly accept that. It’s a small price to pay for freedom from dialysis. As of today, my kidney is functioning well. It’s considered “dormant,” thanks to the anti-rejection medications. You see, my body knows there’s a stranger inside—and it wants to reject it. But these powerful medications help calm my immune system so that the new kidney can quietly do its job. Isn’t medical technology a blessing?

Grateful, Faithful, and Alive

I leave you with this: I am here. I am alive. I am thriving. I am blessed. To my loving parents, Pastor Abe Casiano Jr. and Connie Casiano, to my devoted husband Daniel, my dearest Becky, to the ACBDA, and to every one of you who kept me in your prayers—thank you. I am living proof that prayer works.

With love and gratitude,

Sugar Lopez

“I will give you back your health and heal your wounds,” declares the Lord. — Jeremiah 30:17 (NLT)

“I am not lost, for I know where I am. However, where I am may be lost.”
Winnie the Pooh

SYLVIA’S RECEIPES

– 1 (6 oz.) can water-packed albacore tuna

– 3/4 cup finely chopped Honeycrisp, Gala or Fuji apple

– 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper

– 1/2 cup finely chopped scallions, green and white parts

– 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

– Salt to taste

– Ground black pepper

– 1 Tbsp. canola oil

– 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill

– 2 tsp. grated lemon zest

– 4 butter or Boston lettuce leaves

– 4 slices European cucumber

– 2 lightly packed cups watercress sprigs