I never thought I?d be writing this story, because I wasn?t sure I?d live to tell it.
5 years ago my heart began to fail me. I watched life move on around me while mine seemed to be slipping away. I was so scared, sad, and depressed most of the time. Fortunately I have the best support team my family, my kids and daughter in laws they never let me give up, and was there every step of the way. My heart started failing more that I ended up in the icu on machines for a month when the machines wasn't helping I was than implanted with a LVAD. This device was heavy and ran on two big batteries and controller, I couldn't get it wet, I had to unplug from batteries and plug in to the wall outlet at bed time, I had to have my bandages changed every other day. I had the Lvad for 4 years. The wait was long, every day was a battle between hope and fear. I turned to God to give me the strength to carry on. On june 24, 2025 my doctor called me and told me they had a heart for me and I had to get to the hospital. I called my kids and family to let them know the news. A stranger?s final gift became my second chance at life. Waking up after the surgery, I felt pain but beneath it, I felt gratitude so deep it brought me to tears. Someone I?ll never meet gave me the most precious thing anyone could give: more time. More laughter. More mornings. More love. Recovery hasn?t been easy. There were setbacks, sleepless nights, and moments when I wondered if I?d ever feel ?normal? again. But every heartbeat reminds me why I?m still here. I want to use my story to give back to raise awareness, to support others still waiting for their miracle, and to honor the donor who made mine possible. Every contribution helps not just me, but the countless people fighting for another chance at life. I carry two hearts now ? one that was born with me, and one that was gifted. And I promise to make every beat count.