Welcome friends,

I am a heart transplant recipient. In 2011, at 14, I was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). By 2018, I was officially diagnosed with late Class III/early Class IV heart failure. It took a while, but in October of 2021, I was approved to be on the heart transplant list.

I got the call on 9/27/22. I was the only one called in that evening, so as long as the heart was viable, it would be mine. I received my miracle on 9/28/22. One of my old vessels tried folding in on itself, so I was sent back to the OR the following morning. While in surgery, I cardiac arrested. I was dead for around 5 minutes. My surgeon massaged my new heart until it started beating again. It was a big scare, but I began passing all the tests to come back off ECMO. Things moved quickly once I was completely coherent. I ended up only spending 13 days in the hosptial after my transplant.

I have so much to be grateful for. First, to my donor (and their family), for the selfless act of being an organ donor. To my entire transplant team, doctors, nurses, PCTs, OTs, cardiac rehab staff, and anyone who extended a helpful hand to me throughout my journey, thank you. To my family and friends, never in a million years could I have made it without them. The unwavering support and love has gotten me to it, and through it. Last, but certainly not least, to my angel Moma, who was tragically killed 18 days after my transplant. The one who was with me every single day, was right by my side through every high and low, at every doctor's appointment, and carried me when it all got too much. I carry on for her. I am finally able to live the life she hoped for me, and I will continue to do so, in her's and my donor's honor.

I am so excited to participate in the Heart Walk again. It is such a wonderful way to pay tribute those fighting, the donors and their families, and the survivors. I hope you all can join me for the occasion. Thank you!

-Melina