Denise Hepbron, administrative assistant and store clerk at Haven Harbour South, returned to her post Wednesday following a recent liver transplant procedure that has since entered its recovery phase.
In late 2018, it was revealed that Denise's liver was in imminent failure due to the affects of primary biliary cirrhosis, an autoimmune disease that causes progressive destruction of the body's bile ducts.
After several consultations and worsening health, doctors felt it best to place Denise on the list to receive a transplant.
Fortunately, a donor match was found in her youngest son Andrew, who turns 28 later this month. The mother and son scheduled their operation and traveled to the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore on September 17, 2019 for a procedure that would take roughly seven hours.
"Andrew's liver fully recovered within eight weeks following the procedure," she said. "He's back to living a normal life without the aid of any medication."
As for Denise, the road to recovery has been more extreme, possessing both promising ups and difficult downs.
"I was readmitted to the hospital on three separate occasions during my recovery," she said. "All of which were common for my type of procedure, but still very hard at times."
Throughout her recovery thus far, Denise has stayed with a close friend who is a registered nurse, as well as immediate family members. A Rock Hall native and 20-year employee of the former Sailing Emporium, Denise has committed much of her life to serving our small town in more ways than one. The recent outpouring of love from family, neighbors, friends and customers has left her at a loss for words.
"My family, friends and South [Haven Harbour South] customers have been tremendous," she said. "I cannot thank them enough for their care, consideration and support."
Denise says she is looking forward to experiencing the little things in life, like socializing and getting back to the normal routines of work and family, once the period of limited interaction has passed that her procedure's recovery requires.
As her gradual return to normal life continues, we ask friends and returning customers to avoid hugging or participating in any close, physical contact with Denise for the health of both parties concerned – especially now during the time of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
"I don't like it but it's for all of our protection," she said. "When I'm well and when it's acceptable, my customers will get lots of hugs."
We welcome Denise's return to work and look forward to what lies ahead both in her personal life, as well as in her career with our company.
