In the spring of 2014, at the age of 53, cardiologists told me I would need a heart transplant. It sounded absurd. I was incredibly fit and had always enjoyed good health—no high blood pressure, no diabetes, no problems with my heart, lungs, or kidneys. I exercised regularly with weightlifting, spin class, aerobics, and tennis, and I tackled heavy-duty gardening like a pro. I had even played college basketball.
The only symptoms that brought me to the cardiologist were increasing shortness of breath and occasional fainting spells—both of which, I later learned, were far more serious than they seemed. I was fitted with a pacemaker and defibrillator, but the diagnosis was clear: my heart was failing, and no one could explain why.
Cardiologists at Duke University Medical Center were perplexed. I looked and acted far too healthy to be as sick as I was. They explained that my heart would have to fail even more drastically before I could be placed on the transplant list. Eventually, that time came. An IV pump was inserted, and my husband—my rock throughout it all—helped administer the medication.
In early 2015, doctors asked if I was ready to be placed on the transplant list. As sick as I was, I still didn’t feel ready. It’s hard to explain that feeling—perhaps I needed to feel even sicker. I had already mentally prepared for the surgery, watched videos, read about the risks, and studied post-transplant care. I was confident in my faith and in God, and my husband stood by me in that decision.
A few months later, while living in Asheville, NC, my defibrillator shocked me repeatedly. I was rushed by ambulance more than three hours to Durham. As my husband and daughter made their way to Duke, they received the call—there was a donor heart available.
Miraculous. That is how I see my life everyday—nothing short of miraculous. Ten years later, I am happy, grateful and still very active. Those who know of my transplant are amazed.
It wasn’t until after my surgery that doctors were finally able to confirm my diagnosis: Sarcoidosis, a rare disease that had silently attacked my heart.
Today, I live with deep gratitude for every single day that God and my donor have given me. If I could meet my donor’s family, I would want to show them what their loved one’s heart has done for me. Without her, I would not be here.
I feel tremendously at peace with God. I’ve lived 10 more years than was possible. I’ve celebrated 40 years of marriage, seen my son marry, spent countless hours with my grandchildren, been inspired by my daughter, started a new sport, pickleball, that I really enjoy. Life is good.
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