Gwen Howard

Mum died of Acute respiratory distress syndrome,or ARDS for short.

ARDS is a severe lung disease caused by a variety of direct and indirect issues. It is
characterized by inflammation of the lung parenchyma leading to impaired gas exchange with
concomitant systemic release of inflammatory mediators causing inflammation, hypoxemia and
frequently resulting in multiple organ failure.This condion is often Fatal!
prior to this Mum had been in hospital for several weeks with an ulcerated leg as a result from
Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease (also known as granulomatous colitis and regional enteritis) is an inflammatory
disease of the intestines that may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from anus to mouth,
causing a wide variety of symptoms. It primarily causes abdominal pain, diarrhea (which may be
bloody), vomiting, or weight loss, but may also cause complications outside of the gastrointestinal
tract such as skin rashes, arthritis and inflammation of the eye.

Crohn's disease is an autoimmune disease, in which the body's immune system attacks the
gastrointestinal tract, causing inflammation; it is classified as a type of inflammatory bowel
disease.
This was very debilitating for Mum and she hated and could not come to terms with it.At the age of
72 it's a big thing to have to change your whole way of life!!
Up untill this Mum lived a very happy and fulfilling life.Although she was disabled with arthritis
and fybromialgia,she overcame this with determination and help.
She was a great Listener and through her own battle of coming off tranquilizers started a self
help group to help others in the same situation.She was a good and caring friend,and would always
try to help in any way she could if needed.
She was a strong character and could more than often be loud and a bit sharp.But those that knew
her, knew that her bark was worse that her bite.
She was a loving caring Mum to Paul,Peter, Lorna and Lisa,Mum in law to Maria,Karen and
Gary.Nanny to Leigh,Mark,Kellie,Chelsea,Jonathan,Jay,Liz and Lily.Great Nan to Shaunna,Kirstan and
Anthony.Sister to Chris,Sister in law to Bill.
She is greatly missed,but her spirit is with us always.Her smile is bright ,her laughter is
endless.
God bless xx