Hope For a Heart: Missing Mom

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Missing Mom - Forever Grateful

Missing you on this Mother's Day without you, Mom - but I do know you are the angel that has guided this miracle that has happened within me in the past week, and have been the one watching over me the whole time. I will celebrate with joy that your spirit is always right beside me, even though that doesn't dim the pain of not having you physically here.

It is also near impossible to put into words the fact that I received a heart only 12 days ago; whom I don't know yet anything about the donor. That heart could have been from a mother who's children are hurting today. It could have been from a child, who's mother is hurting today. Regardless, I am alive because of the most selfless decision in probably the most tragic time of someone's life. Wherever you are, and whatever your story may be, I thank you for the gift of life you have given me and pray that some comfort is found in the fact that lives were saved because of your decision. The mother of my first donor, Taylor, may be hurting today as well, but I want her to know her son gave me ten extra years of life! I don't think one understands the true meaning of how deep gratitude can go until experiencing something as life-changing as this. I am humbled. I am beyond grateful. And, I wish a very Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful moms out there!

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About Us

My name is Cassie. I am 23 years old and had a heart transplant in 2005 at the age of 13, after inheriting Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy at birth from my father, who has had two heart transplants as well. Fast forward to 2009, when I met my best friend and love of my life, Curtis. We were married in 2012 and have been smiling since. It speaks volumes of Curtis' character that although he was fully aware of my heart problems, complications I had experienced since my transplant, and complications we could face together in the future, he never let that get in the way of love. He is absolutely my rock, and is the most supportive and encouraging person I could have ever asked for. I know that with God, and with him as my husband, all things are possible. In early 2015, we found out that due to worsening Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy (commonly found in transplant recipients as a side effect of the lifelong immunosuppression medication), an increase in my physical limitations, and a decrease in my overall physical quality of life, I would be listed for a second heart transplant. This blog is dedicated to documenting our feelings, thoughts, and steps of this journey along the way. This will undoubtedly be a test for us in all aspects, and life as we know it will change dramatically; but we know we couldn't face this without each other or without all of you. We are so grateful for every prayer, positive thought, and bit of love and support each and every one of you have shown us and have to give.