Resilience ... Organ Transplant Advocate Diana D Kreher Interview Photos Julia Rabkin Interview by Velvet d'Amour
Photographer Julie Rabkin
Tell Us About yourself
I am a model, an entrepreneur, an inspirational speaker, as well as, healthcare and transplant advocate. I am the founder of a medical supply company called Resilience Medical. My mission with this company is to bridge the gap between fashion and medicine. We aim to create medical products that appeal to a chronic illness patients’ personality and style.
I received a multiple organ transplant in 2017, that saved my life.
I studied at the University of Miami and got a bachelor’s degree in Spanish, Marketing and Public Relations. I successfully completed the University of Buffalo, center for entrepreneur leadership, WMBE program and I am currently enrolled in the NYSTEC IgniteU program.
What made you take up modeling?
I modeled as a young girl. I did some small gigs for children’s hair salons. However, at that time, I wanted to be just like my brother. I thought the world of my big brother and wanted to be just like him. It was hilarious. When I was younger, I would wear my bathing suit to his swim practices in case they needed an extra swimmer. I also used to participate in dance and gymnastics, but gave that up to focus on swimming.
It was while I was studying at the University of Miami, that I started getting back into modeling again. I did promotional modeling for companies like Tassimo, the Miami Heat, and Mercedes Benz. I realized that I didn’t want to live life wishing I did something or regretting I didn’t do something. I decided to start modeling again. It definitely brought me joy back quite quickly.
What are your favorite beauty products?
I absolutely love Kiehls, Sonia Roselli and Pat McGrath
What is favorite your quote you live by?
1. Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.-Oprah Winfrey
2. Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself- Cocochanel
How does having a port change yr life?
Having a port doesn’t phase me at all. It has become an extension of my body. It’s kind of like wearing a pair of earrings. You really don’t recognize it’s there. However, it is a lifesaver. I receive IV fluids daily via my port. My home care nurse can also draw weekly labs out of it, so I don’t need to be stuck by a needle every time.
What is it like to be a double organ transplant?
The only thing that I can say is that I feel so blessed that my donor said “yes” to organ donation. This incredible person didn’t only save my life but seven others as well! I prayed for my donors family before I even knew who they were. The journey was extremely difficult and I had actually accepted that death was a very real possibility. I’m so glad I continued to fight. After transplant, I married the love of my life. I live each day to try and honor my donor’s spirit and be my most authentic self.
Do you think of the people whose organs were transplanted into you?
I think the world of my donor Heather Donnelly. She was only one year older than I was and was incredibly friendly had a bubbly personality was well liked and had a ton of love in her heart. According to her obituary, "Heather was a loving caring person that always helped others. She was always smiling, loved being the center of attention, and enjoyed taking pictures. Her cats held a special place in her heart. Heather just completed her master’s degree in counseling at Texas A&M University.” I think it was absolute fate that I was chosen to carry on her spirit. Everything about my donor and I aligned. One thing that really shocked me is that when I went into surgery to have my stomach removed, my transplant surgeon said, “the match was so perfect, that if he hadn’t done the transplant himself, he would have that they were my original intestines.” Heather’s father said that even our personalities and mannerisms matched. She was so much more than just a matching blood type, but was really my perfect match in every way.
What podcasts/sites/grams/tiktoks would you recommend?
If anyone is looking for inspiration, you can follow my story on IG and TIKTOK at the @theBionicBuffaloBeauty and my business page, @ResilienceMedical
What would you say to those who may be waiting on a transplant?
I would say keep fighting. You’ve made it this far! You are still alive for a reason and until that day when God says it’s time, you keep fighting!
Do you think fashion designers need to be more inclusive when it comes to people living with transplants/ports?
It’s pretty incredible that we are seeing a definite increase and visibility of disabled models. With that being said we still have a lot more work to do as an industry. We need to continue to promote self-love and remind others that their “scars are beautiful”.
How was dating with being a Multi-organ Transplant recipient?
It was really tough at first. Most people want to go out for food or drinks on their first date. However, I couldn’t eat, drink, or take oral medication. I was completely dependent IV nutrition and fluids. Trying to explain that someone is extremely difficult. I would try to do activities that didn’t revolve around food. I tried to find humor in my situation saying thing like I was the perfect date. I would tell them,”. I can’t eat, I can’t drink, I just need to have you hold a solid conversation.”
You are a Buffalo native so who’s your favorite Buffalo Bill?
My favorite Buffalo Bill player of all time is Jim Kelly. He is an inspiration and has such a deep faith. Jim also went to the University of Miami, which is the same university that I attended.
