Story Behind G-PACT
Carissa Haston, President/Webmaster

I became involved in G-PACT as a result of my own experience with gastroparesis. When I was diagnosed in 1994, it was not long before I realized how limited resources there were available to people dealing with this condition. After I graduated from college in 2000 with a degree in illustration and graphic design, I developed a personal website about my experiences with gastroparesis. It attracted so many people that I recognized how
big the need was for people with GP to be connected. Eventually I created an online support group which has quickly grown to around 3,000 people, with approximately 5,000 receiving support throughout the years. It was not long before I realized the need for a non-profit dedicated to gastroparesis. On August 23, 2001, I became the primary initiator behind the formation of G-PACT. In 2002, I received the Young Alumnus Achievement Award from my alma mater, Messiah College, in honor of my work with gastroparesis patients.

After years on feeding tubes, attempting all medications, surgeries, TPN (IV nutrition), and other extreme treatments due to total gut failure after the development of chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIP), I began to seek other options and began to go to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in hopes of receiving a multi-visceral (5 organ) transplant. The TPN was beginning to destroy my liver and I was running out of options for venous access due to frequent sepsis (infections in my bloodstream). I was, literally, starving to death.

On March 13, 2006 I received five organs- small bowel, stomach, pancreas, duodenum, and liver. Although I was not expected to live through the transplant due to my weakened state at 62 pounds, I am a success story and am able to eat almost anything I want. I am beginning to return to a normal life again. Although the transplant was successful for me, it was my only option and not without its downfalls. I will always be at risk for rejection
and will remain on anti-rejection medications for life. These medications commonly lead to kidney failure and the need for a kidney transplant. Additional complications include osteoporosis from the medication, vitamin deficiencies, anemia leading to the need for frequent blood transfusions, surgical adhesions leading to future small bowel obstructions, and susceptibility to severe infections and illness due to immunosuppression. Without the transplant, I would not be alive today. However, it is the transplant or related complications that may also result in a shortened lifespan. Once the decision to have a transplant is made, there is no going back and it’s a decision for life. There should be less extreme, reversible options available to those who are suffering
from GP and CIP. They are disabling, and in many cases, life-threatening or terminal conditions.

I am excited about being involved in G-PACT and encouraging and helping others who are suffering endlessly from these horrible conditions. My goal is that someday gastroparesis and intestinal pseudo-obstruction will be common medical terms with many treatment options or a cure. I am working hard with G-PACT to ensure that becomes a reality.

Story in video format:
Carissa's gastroparesis story (part 1)
Formation of G-PACT (part 2)