I was 33 weeks pregnant with my second when I was diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy. I had no idea that my life was slowly turning upside down and I would have no control over anything. I was flown to Mayo Clinic in AZ where they saved my life and I received my first scar from my first open heart surgery for my Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD). I was told that even with an LVAD I would eventually need a heart transplant. I waited over two years for that day. I went through a TIA and after numerous treatments to lower my antibodies I was told I needed to pray for a miracle, I had a 2% chance of ever finding a match. We headed home feeling defeated but knowing ultimately it would happen in Gods timing. Sure enough on Easter Sunday April 17, 2017...

I got my call. 

On April 17,2017 I received my second scar through my second open heart surgery where I received my ultimate gift.

My donor and their family blessed me with a second chance. 

My scars tell a story of survival and are a living legacy of the donor that saved my life. They are a reminder of when life tried to break me but instead it made me a warrior. Don’t be afraid to show them off like a badge of honor.

My scars have made me stronger than I could have ever imagined.