"The Aphrodite AGAPE #Series collection was inspired by selfless love received during my time of need. I am alive to tell my story because of sacrifices others selflessly made for my sake; especially to the miracle Angel from who I received the perfect kidney." Aphrodite
AGAPE - APHRODITE MIRACLE STORY
The miracle that inspired the APHRODITE AGAPE Collection
December 2010... I had sepsis which led to damage of multiple organ systems. A local hospital, preparing to give me an emergency dialysis in my neck, miraculously avoided that by being steadfast in treatment, stopping this deadly infection in its tracks. This led me to needing a life saving kidney transplant. With only 3-7 % kidney function, I was encouraged to go on dialysis by my medical team. At stage 5 renal failure, I had no safety net. "Give me 30 days" I said to the nephrologist, "I'd like to try alternative treatment first." She reluctantly said ok. I chose several alternative treatments that my body could handle while waiting for a miracle. At 30 days later, my body remained stable. I was constantly monitored by my western medicine team. I got on the National Kidney Registry list. The survival statistics were not in my favor. Friends planned a donor awareness benefit for me. During this time, many people came to my aid offering any help they could give. I was humbled learning several friends, family and even strangers that heard, were being tested to be a donor.
Nothing interfered with my unwavering trust and belief that I would receive whatever I needed to be well again, which would be nothing short of a miracle. On July 11, 2011, I received a phone call from the transplant team that a perfect kidney match had become available for me. I had only been on the kidney registry list for three months.
"Give it to someone else who's been waiting much longer," I said.
"Aphrodite, I've seen this happen only seven times in 25 years. You are number 8. You are the only perfect match on the nationwide list and you are the best candidate for this kidney."
Hearing that, I accepted this miracle gift. On July 12, the next day, I had the life saving transplant surgery. A few months after recovering, I was faced with more medical challenges. Both of my native kidneys had to be removed. (Kidney transplant is really an implant. They do not remove and replace, they add a third.) Another three plus years and two more related surgeries took place.
By 2015, my body, mind and spirit began to strengthen again, giving me the desire and ability to focus on new beginnings at rebuilding my life. All the hope and love that was selflessly and graciously given to me from others at my time of need through the years can be described as Agape. (Agape is a Greek word meaning the highest form of love that Jesus spoke much about; willingly offering sacrificial love, and expecting nothing in return.)
In 2019, I was inspired to create a numbered series of work called the Aphrodite Agape series. In each piece, my intention was to bring a sense of peace and calm to the human spirit.
Every Agape series painting was approached with spontaneity, a 'freestyle' approach. I used soothing tropical colors, and finished them with a fine resin overlay to depict the feel of water.
As water is a source of life, each painting in this series is meant to be a reminder of the precious gift of life, honoring life, peace, hope and love.
APHRODITE
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During the AGAPE era, Aphrodite created paintings on 2 custom made Adirondack chairs, donated to benefit Habitat For Humanity. The 'Building Houses, Building Hope' golf tournament is an annual fall event held at Wentworth By The Sea Country Club in Rye, NH.
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