Here’s to a Century of Life
by KFYR TV Juli McDonald
Posted on 8/20/2010
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The familiar lullaby of a new baby being born was heard throughout St. Alexius Medical Center this afternoon. That celebration took place in maternity, but over in the kidney dialysis unit, another celebration of life was going on.
Three times a week, Katie Ternes goes to dialysis at St. Alexius Medical Center. Today is Wednesday, so that means time for dialysis. But today is also her 100th birthday.
I asked how it feels to be one hundred. said Ternes, “Nothing. Just like another day.” Katie’s family, though, is a little more amazed at the milestone, and her continued good health.
“Especially when you know she’s said many, many times I never dreamed I would be 100. I’ll take her to the doctor and she’ll say, `I don’t know why we`re here, I’m not even sick,` She has a strong will to live and she’s an absolutely amazing woman,” said Diane Zainhofsky, Ternes` daughter.
Today’s birthday celebration was special because Ternes shared it with her second family at dialysis. Some patients come from up to a 100 mile radius multiple times a week for their four-hour treatments. They say it gives them a social life.
“They love the interaction. We know them, we joke with them. We know their likes and their dislikes, and so it’s a real joy to see Katie that healthy too. A healthy 100th birthday, just like if she didn’t have renal failure,” said Director of Renal Services Karen Schneider.
Surrounded by people who love her, with photographs being taken and songs being sung, it was an exciting afternoon for Ternes.
“I’m just shaky,” she said.
Katie has been a dialysis patient since 2000, and she is the first patient to celebrate this special birthday milestone.
On Saturday, Ternes will have another celebration at the Baptist Home where she lives. In attendance will be some of her own children, 13 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.