Not many people are lucky enough to meet one of their best friends at age 4, but thankfully, I was! Dwana has been by my side through many challenges and celebrations, and I've been lucky to see her accomplish so much and overcome every tough moment she's faced, including her current battle. A little over ten years ago, Dwana was diagnosed with postpartum cardiomyopathy, or in simpler terms, heart failure that happens after pregnancy. Even with a newborn and a new diagnosis, she kept going! She has managed to complete two degrees, raise an amazing young boy, buy a home, find success in a career she loves, and many more brag-worthy accomplishments. She's juggled all of this with her heart failure fairly well until a few months ago when her doctors said she needed to be put on the heart transplant list. Her heart just wasn't going to be strong enough to allow her to continue at the pace a 33-year-old should be able to do! Then, about a month ago, her heart had enough, and she was admitted to the hospital. Since then, she's undergone a few surgeries, had a few different devices, and as of March 4, SHE RECEIVED HER NEW HEART!!! While we are ECSTATIC about this amazing gift, with it will come a high price. Currently, Dwana's amazing parents have been caring for her son. They've traveled back and forth from Rock Hill, where Dwana and her son live, to Charleston, where Dwana is hospitalized. Gas, meals, hotel stays—they add up! This doesn't include the hospital bills that will come (and have already started to arrive) as well as medication costs. Dwana is expected to be on about 15 medications when she finally goes home! Once she's strong enough to leave the hospital, she will need to stay about 6 weeks in Charleston before she can travel home. Her insurance will reimburse her for some of this, but we estimate she will need at least 2-3k to cover the 6 weeks in a handicap-accessible hotel or rental.

Dwana has been one of the greatest friends to me. Even through all of this, she's stayed positive, kept a smile, and didn't want to ask for help until now. She's managed, and while she would find a way to manage without our help, we want to help ease anxieties and concerns for her recovery period. Thank you for anything and everything you can give. Every dollar helps ensure her family can visit. Every dollar makes it where she can get the best care and not have to worry about more than just getting better ♥️