It was slightly more than a year ago when, Lauren Mahoney was given a second chance at life. 

It was in 1999, when she was diagnosed with heart disease: a cardiomyopathy, which literally means “heart muscle disease” and is the deterioration of the function of the myocardium (i.e., the actual heart muscle), bringing about dangerous arrhythmias.  When this happens, the heart beat may be too fast or too slow and it may be regular or irregular.

She lived with her deteriorating heart for 10 years struggling with sleeping, walking and even eating.

In May of 2008, Lauren was referred to the Massachusetts’ Brigham and Women’s Hospital where her condition was evaluated and they advised her that she qualified to join the heart transplant list.  Lauren was quite prepared to go on the list and need time to think about it. 

She spent the summer trying to live a normal life, but struggled with each day that passed. Eventually in her own time, she came to the conclusion that this was no way to live her life and she put her name down on the transplant list.

In February 2009, she had to go back to the hospital as she wasn’t feeling well and so began a stay of 3 months in hospital, waiting for a new heart. May 21, her cardiologist walked into her room and said: “How about a new heart?”  He stated it that simply.  Well, Lauren knew this was it, and by then, was so ready for it.

At 2 a.m. on May 22, 2009, she received her new heart.

The surgery went well. her recovery was hard at first, but day-by-day it became easier with the help and support of everyone around her. Two weeks’ later, Lauren was discharged and able to return home somewhat worried at going back into the “outside world” saying goodbye to the continual hospital monitoring and constant care.

Today, Lauren is enjoying the life of a healthy 27 year old woman, bike riding, walking three miles daily and socializing with her friends; simply living in a way that she previously could only dream about.  Feeling healthy was a feeling she had virtually forgotten but now she has the wonderful opportunity to do it again.

Grateful for the sacrifice of her donor and in their honor, Lauren participates in AHA fund raising.  The donor is of course anonymous but will always be a part of her. Lauren has also been walking to raise money for Brigham and Women’s Hospital to thank them for the support that they gave her. She calls those at the Shapiro centre miracle workers and Lauren is keen to help others who find themselves with heart disease.

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