G. Willette Guyton is pictured with the Duke University Hospital doctor and his team who performed her kidney transplant surgery her 2004. G. Willette Guyton watched helplessly as diabetes slowly took its toll on her mother who underwent about 50 surgeries in an attempt to halt the progression of the disease.

Diabetes caused Guyton's mother to lose some of her limbs and deteriorate into renal failure compounded by cancer. Despite the myriad of health problems, Guyton says her mother had remarkable strength, courage and independence.

"She lost many of her limbs, but she was still able to do a lot of things," Guyton said. "As a matter of fact, she cooked a full meal on the last day of her life."

Guyton's mother passed away in 2004. However, by that time Guyton herself was fighting for her life.

Guyton first suffered kidney failure in July 2002 and began a four-day regimen of dialysis in October that year to remove the poisons from her body.

Faced with having to conquer the same disease that had plagued her mother, Guyton decided to put the issue into capable hands.

"When I was diagnosed and my mother died, it was easy for me to feel bad and think the worst," Guyton said. "But my pastor asked me if I had faith in God and believed that He could heal me."

Now six years after suffering kidney failure, the local woman can't think of a time when she felt better.

Sticking to a strict diet in addition to exercising, taking medication and praying, Guyton said she has not been sick a day since receiving a new kidney from a relative who lives in Seattle, Wash.

"Without a doubt, I'm a miracle," Guyton said. "All I could remember was 'call those things that be not as though they were.' I knew faith and believing in God were best for me and as you can see I'm still here."

After suffering kidney failure, Guyton was forced to quit her job as a case worker with Piedmont Community Action in Gaffney. Wanting to stay active, she turned to Limestone College, where she completed a degree in social work.

While attending college, her classmates began a fundraising campaign called "Give Up A Coke For A Kidney" to help cover costs of Guyton's trip to Duke University Hospital and a transplant. A gospel singing was also held to raise money.

According to Guyton, that was a simple case of God using His hand to put the right people in position at the right time.

"Everyone that's made an impact has been in the right place at the right time," Guyton said. "It's certainly been a blessing to have so

many people care and want to help." Doctors at the Duke University Hospital replaced one of Guyton's damaged kidneys with one from her cousin in 2004. She stayed in the hospital for five days following the procedure. In the weeks and months that followed, Guyton sometimes

made trips to the Durham, N.C., hospital once a week to confirm the kidney was functioning well. Journeys on I-85 are now few and far between, as only a few check-ups a year are needed.

"During the first year it was a bit touchand go, but Dr. Bradley Collins and the others on his staff at Duke have done all they can to make sure I'm doing well," Guyton said.

Guyton's family has been fighting a decades-long war against diabetes. In addition to Guyton and her mother, Guyton's daughter, Crystal, and her sister are also victims of the disease.

However, she believes the same faith that pulled her through will do the same for other members of her family.

"Pastors, family and friends have stuck with me through good times and bad, praying with me and keeping me uplifted," Guyton said. "This is my testimony, and I believe my other relatives can (pull through) too."