It’s always amazing to me how much can change in a year, or just a few months, or 15 years. Today is my 15th heart birthday. It’s been 15 years since I’ve struggled going up a set of stairs, 15 years of immunosuppressants, heart caths, doctor appointments and so much more. It’s also been 15 years since a family lost their daughter, sister, friend and even though it’s been 15 years, this day is still so hard for me. It’s a day I always want to celebrate, but it’ll always be difficult knowing a family is mourning. 

Each year, I try to recap the past year (10, 11, 12, 13, 14), but last year I just couldn’t. Every time I sat down to write, I really struggled due to the state of the world and the fear and anxiety it induced. I did write a long Instagram caption, but the weight of everything around me was just too much at the time for a blog post. 

Life has gotten significantly better since I received the COVID-19 vaccine and I learned I have antibodies. When the vaccine was released, the transplant community took a sigh of relief, which was quickly torn away from many. Due to the immunosuppressant drugs we’re on, some transplant recipients were not making antibodies to COVID-19 after receiving the vaccine and unfortunately were still at risk for COVID-19. I’m very lucky and learned I did make antibodies, something I’ll forever be thankful for. Not only was I thankful I had antibodies, but I’m also thankful I have the opportunity to pass down COVID-19 antibodies and protection to my son.