“I have sickle cell disease. I’ve had it my whole life. My earliest crisis was when I was 9 or 10. My red blood cells aren’t shaped circular. They’re shaped like a sickle. When they get clogged up in certain spots, it causes major pain. … Continue readingSickle cell disease key factor in his lonely life
NameGina Bibb Age60 How long have you lived in Baytown?In the area all my life, but in Baytown until about age 52. Most interesting fact about youI am currently legally blind and unable to walk due to taking an antibiotic (Zyvox; generic name is Linezolid) … Continue readingGina Bibb: battling multiple health challenges
“Me and my brothers took care of our parents before they died. They were both in their 50s. It was tough to watch them deteriorate. They didn’t have all the money in the world, and they had to spend loads on insulin. I’ve told my … Continue readingCancer, age work against her when job hunting
“I’ve been going to church more since Owen was born. You just look for that comfort and peace. Plus, my family and our mutual friends have helped support and motivate us. We have a type of village that looks out for us. I mean, it’s … Continue readingThey rely on faith, family, friends and fight
“His cardiologist told us that he’s the sickest kid he’s ever seen who does not look sick. When you look at his scans you think, there’s no way they could belong to this kid.” Born with a rare genetic condition known as Williams Syndrome, 9-month-old … Continue readingYoung boy faces life-saving heart surgery
“It was 1966, and I was in Vietnam with the 5th Mechanized Infantry Division. I got medically discharged after about three months as a combat medic. I guess I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. A piece of shrapnel went through my … Continue reading‘It was a blessing that God took me out so early’
“My mom had diabetes with all the complications. But she just kept going. She kept working as long as she could. She was in and out of the hospital, and we always knew she would come right out until the day that it didn’t happen. … Continue readingLate mother’s career motivates her to help others
A childhood accident took her hearing. A determined son and daughter helped return it. Using sign language, Yolanda Willey says she was about 5 years old when she fell at home. Her memory of the incident is a bit fuzzy — it happened more than … Continue readingShe gains her freedom from the sounds of silence
“My stomach was hurting really bad. But when it went away, I stopped thinking about it. Then eventually, a big knot formed on my side. The pain was incredible. My cousin finally talked me into going to the emergency room. They admitted me, and I … Continue readingHealth scare forces welder into early retirement
“Back in 1999, I got really sick. I spent 10 days in the hospital with extremely excruciating stomach pain before they figured out what was wrong with me. It’s a condition called porphyria. I’m missing an enzyme in my blood. There have been men who … Continue readingPainful condition caused her to consider suicide