Marie (Toodles) Begley’s Heart Transplant Recovery

Marie Begley, know to many as Toodles, started her working career as a hairdresser. As a young mother, she balanced her job with raising her two sons.

After a divorce, she took extra jobs to supplement her income as a single

mother. She sometimes discounted her services to help others who couldn’t afford the going rate, sometimes doing it for free.

Family genetics discovered not only cancer but cardiomyopathy in her genes. Twenty years ago this heart condition worsened, but Marie stayed positive and pushed forward. She eventually had to go on disability and it was a constant struggle to make ends meet.

Her heart reached its lowest level of function at 18 percent, with fluid retention requiring many hospital stays to relieve it. She is at UCLA Hospital and on May 4th, 2023, after a lengthy hospital stay, received a heart transplant. We are hopeful for a full recovery and many more years for her to enjoy watching her two young grandchildren play baseball.

Aftercare, which includes 24/7 help for months, will be a struggle and her family will be grateful for any help with these expenses.

My brother, James Icenogle, will be taking a leave from work for a few months to ensure my mom has 24/7 care, and will be making sure all monies received will go toward her recovery care/expenses. Thank you all.