This week marks six months since the successful kidney transplant of one of our favorite patients, Bethany Johasky. Bethany has been with our group since she was a student at FSU (Go Noles!) and is now the owner/manager of Fernanda’s International Food Market.
For those of you who have never visited this Fort Lauderdale treasure, you’re missing a treat. It is nestled in the southwest corner of Oakland and Federal, where it has been a landmark for 31 years (long before Bethany was born!). It offers esoteric groceries, spices, and wines. They also have a deli and prepared foods department—and it’s the favorite place for The Kidney Group to order sandwiches.
They have a fresh bakery, and everything is made “homemade,” including fresh mozzarella, salads, and broccoli rabe steamed and tossed with garlic and oil. Yum! Peter, the chef, has been there for 28 years, followed by Kenny, the deli manager, who has been there 17 years. Maria, Peter’s assistant, has been there for 5 years. Together, they help Bethany make Fernanda’s better than ever.
Bethany, who you may recognize from a Sun Sentinel story about her being mentored through her transplant by Alonzo Mourning, is a patient remarkable for her sunny, upbeat outlook on life and her zest for living.
Even while on dialysis—or after a first transplant that failed—Bethany continued pushing forward. First, as a student juggling several jobs, and later as a local business owner toiling long, hard hours. She also loves sports of all kinds—swimming, yoga, and running. When she comes to the office, you can’t help but think she looks more like she belongs on a magazine cover than in a doctor’s office.
Bethany, and others like her, give true meaning to the word perseverance. She is an inspiration to all of us at The Kidney Group and to countless others waiting for a transplant who will find encouragement in the way she lives her life. We give a shoutout to her dad, Tom, and aunt, Nancy—the donors of kidneys one and two.
We invite you to stop by Fernanda’s (we swear we don’t have stock there!!) and meet Bethany yourself. I heartily recommend the chicken salad—my personal favorite!
