The road to recovery after a heart transplant is a full time job.
After three years of waiting, and two prior attempts, on November 14, 2020, Kathleen received her new heart.
Kathleen suffered from congenital heart disease. She underwent her first surgery was in 2002 for a mitral valve prolapse. After the surgery, she had many Arrhythmias, including the most life threatening, Ventricular Fibrillation. “I had to have a defibrillator implanted to shock my heart if it stopped", said Kathleen. “I was shocked 3 times which brought my heart back to normal rhythm." She was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathy, and placed on a heart transplant list.
Her family described the miraculous day on their InKind page: Today mom underwent a 14 hour heart transplant surgery where she opened herself up to the knowns and unknowns of this much anticipated moment, embracing the fears with faith and possibility along the way. Thankfully, her new heart was woven together by human intelligence, modern technology, radical kindness, acts of service, and the spirit of prayer–all in which have allowed her beat to go on.
“The road to recovery after a heart transplant is a full time job," describes Kathleen’s daughter Jaclyn. “It calls for frequent trips to the hospital weekly, especially for the first couple of months, for routine blood work, biopsies, x-rays, ultrasounds, and more."
The family knew they needed support with meals since their dad was the main caregiver on the front lines of chauffeuring her to and from the hospital as well as organizing her medication several times a day.
Jaclyn heard about Give InKind from a close family member who used the site to support a friend who’s son had cancer. “Sure enough it was a perfect fit. It was extremely user friendly and easy to share the link/calendar with friends and family," said Jaclyn.
They scheduled meals, listed dietary restrictions, and included all the other details that people were looking for to help.
“We are beyond grateful for the love, support, and prayers from all of our friends and family during this time–it truly takes a village!
Just a few months later Kathleen is doing well in her recovery. Her family and Kathleen are so grateful for the gift of a new heart and the friends and family members that gave a part of their loving hearts.
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