The most dangerous time to have a heart transplant is as a teenager, statistically. Teenagers by nature are more prone to disobedience and risk taking behaviors which are traits that do not pair well with the highly regimented and restrictive lifestyle imposed upon someone with a donor organ.

This June marks an incredible 10 years of living (and thriving) with my own heart transplant. As one might imagine, the life that transpires after such an intense trauma is forever changed and sometimes veers "off course" of what the expected young woman's trajectory would be. Receiving the gift of organ donation at only 18 years old offered me a second chance at life just when adult life begins. I quite literally walked out of the hospital and across the high school graduation stage in the same night. I knew I was walking forward, but I had no idea what the next decade would hold for me.

Please help me celebrate and honor the last ten years of giggling, grieving, and growing with this once in a lifetime event. This event will feature a short documentary film about my journey, and not only speeches from myself, friends, and family but also from the hospital staff who saved my life and the family of my donor whose heart still beats in my chest today.

Your generous donation will help cover decor, signage, supplies, food and beverage, venue rental, catering, AV/tech, event staffing and other finishing touches that create the magic of this special day. Thank you for taking the time to hear my story and to touch my life with your kindness.