“Please accept my sincerest thanks for the check you sent me to cover some of the expenses my family incurred as a result of the birth of my grandson. He is two months old and currently at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia awaiting an operating to repair an AV Canal defect of his heart. The funds you so graciously sent me covered expenses related to his illness and are greatly appreciated. It is comforting to know that your organization is ready, willing, and able to assist Staten Islanders in their time of need.”

“Unfortunately, heart disease has been a defining factor in my life for many years. Both my father and my grandmother passed away suddenly of heart attacks, and two of my cousins had to receive open heart surgeries as babies. On the way to my father’s wake, I told my husband that I was not feeling right, that something was wrong—I passed out and my heart stopped. I never made it to my father’s funeral. At the age of 33, I had to have a pacemaker defibrillator put in, which I lived with for 12 years.

In January of 2016, my life changed forever. I couldn’t breathe well, my legs were swelling, and I knew something wasn’t right. I went to the doctor, who told me that my pacemaker would no longer suffice, and that I needed a heart transplant, which is not news that you’d like to be given at 45.

The lists for a heart were too long in Manhattan. I was referred to Beth Israel in New Jersey, but because of insurance issues, I was denied. Thankfully, my family was extremely supportive during this difficult time. I have two daughters and a wonderful husband that stayed strong for me when I needed them most.  My niece started a GoFundMe account and was able to raise $21,751 for me in less than a week. When Beth Israel saw that I had a support system who would help pay for my hospital stay and medical care, they placed me on the list to receive a new heart. On November 12, 2016, I was the 942nd patient to have undergone a heart transplant at Beth Israel Hospital. Every year for the rest of my life, I will celebrate having a new birthday on November 12, 2016—because that’s what I was given, a new life.

In addition to my surgery, the bills for the medications I had to take following my transplant began to add up. The Have A Heart Foundation of Staten Island heard my story and gave me a grant to help cover the costs. I was so grateful to them that as soon as I recovered from my surgery, I got involved in the organization. I am now proud to represent them as their Vice President. This foundation has helped so many people, myself included, and I have every intention on continuing to help it flourish and help other Staten Islanders with heart disease for many years to come.”

“Thank you to the Have a Heart Foundation for your work and support.”