So many of you have asked about my aunt Pat who received an amazing gift of a second chance at life when she underwent a heart transplant recently. People are asking more about her story, how she is doing, and how they can help. (You are all so kind!)
I've been struggling with how to tell her story since, while fascinating and inspiring, is not MY story to tell. Then I stumbled across the following entry on her Carepage and thought it best to let Pat tell her own story. So here it is in her own words:
My name is Patricia, known as Pat by family and friends. I was born with a congenital heart defect and was raised back East with three brothers and three sisters.
My short coming is physical activity. Although it was difficult to keep up as a child; I walked to school, played outdoors, and walked downtown.
In 1966 at the age of nineteen my condition worsened but I was able to undergo Open Heart Surgery for the correction of Pulmonic Stenosis by the renowned pioneer cardiologist and heart surgeon Dr. Dwight E. Harken. I learned mine was the ninth case of that type of surgery at the time. With improved health I would lead what is a normal life for me. No one knew what the future held.
In 1970 with best wishes from my doctors I married John, and so in love we honeymooned by car across the country to live on the West Coast in the state of Washington where he was born and raised. I was warmly accepted by his family and friends.
Our first daughter, Jennifer, was born in 1972.
At that time I read an article about how walking was good exercise and required no special equipment except a well fitting pair of walking shoes. I thought “that is something I can do” and so started my walking career. I walked about three miles every day – knowing that if I missed a day it would be ok. I kept track of the days I walked and I tried to improve the number of days I walked each year. My walk consisted of various terrains which included a long continuous hill up Ninth Avenue. Although it was a challenge for me – I was always happy when I reached the top. I was walking before walking or running was “the thing to do.” Friends would stop to ask me if I needed a ride – when I said I was walking for exercise they looked at me strangely and drove away. I was recognized as the “walker” and people waved as they drove by wanting to know how far and how often I walked.
Our second daughter, Diana, was born in 1975. Life continued on raising children and helping my husband in his business when possible.
Baking was something I enjoyed. As the girls grew, I made cookies, always reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe, for their school lunches. Craft projects were of interest at times – as were magazines.
While on a walk in 1999 upon physical excursion I found I couldn’t breathe very well. Testing showed I needed a double bypass and a pulmonic valve. Surgery was performed – after recuperating – I resumed walking.
The girls are grown and married now and I have a grandson and a granddaughter that I enjoy very much.
Life went on as usual until 2007 when I noticed changes. This time it was Acites, an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. After questioning the doctor another surgery was not an option but maybe a transplant. I proceeded with testing to see if I would qualify as a candidate. When I was about to complete the last test I developed severe lower abdominal pain. Testing and blood work were not showing anything. Surgery was needed immediately to find out the cause. My appendix had ruptured. I was recovering well from that when I developed a severe case of vasculitis, a burn like condition, on my lower legs. It took several months for them to heal. The last tests needed in order to be considered as a transplant candidate were thereafter completed.
I got the news on May 1, 2008 that I was on the transplant list. Faith, a supportive husband, family, friends, numerous prayers, and walking have gotten me this far.
Wow! With a new heart I may just beat you up Ninth Avenue!
Pat underwent a heart transplant on October 8th. While the ongoing recovery has not been easy, Pat is growing stronger by the day and walked herself out of the ICU and into her new room this week.
Pat still needs lots of prayers and good thoughts sent to her. If you would like to help financially, an account has been set up through the National Foundation for Transplants. This insures that donations are tax deductible and received by the intended patient. Click on the button below to make a donation to Pat's account.
And if you haven't discussed organ donation with your loved ones, please take a few minutes and let your wishes be known. A short conversation could result in a second chance for many - just ask Pat.
I've been struggling with how to tell her story since, while fascinating and inspiring, is not MY story to tell. Then I stumbled across the following entry on her Carepage and thought it best to let Pat tell her own story. So here it is in her own words:
My name is Patricia, known as Pat by family and friends. I was born with a congenital heart defect and was raised back East with three brothers and three sisters.
My short coming is physical activity. Although it was difficult to keep up as a child; I walked to school, played outdoors, and walked downtown.
In 1966 at the age of nineteen my condition worsened but I was able to undergo Open Heart Surgery for the correction of Pulmonic Stenosis by the renowned pioneer cardiologist and heart surgeon Dr. Dwight E. Harken. I learned mine was the ninth case of that type of surgery at the time. With improved health I would lead what is a normal life for me. No one knew what the future held.
In 1970 with best wishes from my doctors I married John, and so in love we honeymooned by car across the country to live on the West Coast in the state of Washington where he was born and raised. I was warmly accepted by his family and friends.
Our first daughter, Jennifer, was born in 1972.
At that time I read an article about how walking was good exercise and required no special equipment except a well fitting pair of walking shoes. I thought “that is something I can do” and so started my walking career. I walked about three miles every day – knowing that if I missed a day it would be ok. I kept track of the days I walked and I tried to improve the number of days I walked each year. My walk consisted of various terrains which included a long continuous hill up Ninth Avenue. Although it was a challenge for me – I was always happy when I reached the top. I was walking before walking or running was “the thing to do.” Friends would stop to ask me if I needed a ride – when I said I was walking for exercise they looked at me strangely and drove away. I was recognized as the “walker” and people waved as they drove by wanting to know how far and how often I walked.
Our second daughter, Diana, was born in 1975. Life continued on raising children and helping my husband in his business when possible.
Baking was something I enjoyed. As the girls grew, I made cookies, always reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe, for their school lunches. Craft projects were of interest at times – as were magazines.
While on a walk in 1999 upon physical excursion I found I couldn’t breathe very well. Testing showed I needed a double bypass and a pulmonic valve. Surgery was performed – after recuperating – I resumed walking.
The girls are grown and married now and I have a grandson and a granddaughter that I enjoy very much.
Life went on as usual until 2007 when I noticed changes. This time it was Acites, an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. After questioning the doctor another surgery was not an option but maybe a transplant. I proceeded with testing to see if I would qualify as a candidate. When I was about to complete the last test I developed severe lower abdominal pain. Testing and blood work were not showing anything. Surgery was needed immediately to find out the cause. My appendix had ruptured. I was recovering well from that when I developed a severe case of vasculitis, a burn like condition, on my lower legs. It took several months for them to heal. The last tests needed in order to be considered as a transplant candidate were thereafter completed.
I got the news on May 1, 2008 that I was on the transplant list. Faith, a supportive husband, family, friends, numerous prayers, and walking have gotten me this far.
Wow! With a new heart I may just beat you up Ninth Avenue!
Pat underwent a heart transplant on October 8th. While the ongoing recovery has not been easy, Pat is growing stronger by the day and walked herself out of the ICU and into her new room this week.
Pat still needs lots of prayers and good thoughts sent to her. If you would like to help financially, an account has been set up through the National Foundation for Transplants. This insures that donations are tax deductible and received by the intended patient. Click on the button below to make a donation to Pat's account.
And if you haven't discussed organ donation with your loved ones, please take a few minutes and let your wishes be known. A short conversation could result in a second chance for many - just ask Pat.
1 comments:
I am so glad she is doing well! What an inspirational story, Maureen!
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