Megan Ireland-Hager: Heart Transplant

Megan is undergoing the most challenging part of her life, both physically and emotionally. Her husband, Daniel, is doing the work of two parents to account for Megan being in and out of the hospital. We, the loved ones of Megan and the Ireland-Hager family, are looking for support from friends, family, and establishments to raise $80,000 so that Megan may afford the medical care that she needs to live. Please continue reading to learn about Megan's story and why she needs your help.

A LIFETIME OF MEDICAL NEEDS

Megan has been sick since she was a child. Her medical troubles began with spine and kidney problems leading to over 30 surgeries on both kidneys, ultimately leaving her with just the right kidney. Her cardiologists at the University of Minnesota are unsure if her congestive heart failure is due to her postpartum cardiomyopathy (a disease of the heart muscle that makes it hard for the heart to pump blood) or chronic kidney problems which caused long-term stress on her heart. In the summer of 2022, Megan was admitted for kidney problems when she went into respiratory distress. Since that time, Megan has had numerous hospitalizations at several different hospitals where the specific care that she needs is available. Recently her cardiologist told her that they have exhausted all medical options to treat her and she must begin the process of getting a new heart by being put on the transplant list.

ABOUT OUR MEGAN

Megan is a daughter, a sister, a wife, a friend, a nurse, and, most importantly, a mother. Megan married the love of her life, Daniel Hager, on June 11, 2021. Shortly after getting married, she became pregnant with their son, Rory, who is now 10 months old (and flirty as ever). Megan has another son, Owen, 8 years old, for whom she co-parents. Owen recently began to play basketball and is hoping to take feedback from Grandpa Ireland so that he can lead his team to victory! It’s hard for Owen to understand why his mom can’t be as involved as she used to be, but Megan is trying her hardest to be as present as possible.

Megan has never been one to sit on the sidelines. She is the nucleus of all of her friend groups and brings an electric energy to everyone around her. Megan has a strong faith in the Lord and that He will continue to bring her strength.

She thrives in a busy environment which is why she was exceptional as a bartender at Rounder’s during her college days. And more importantly, she is such an extraordinary nurse. Megan loves working and overcoming the unique challenges presented to her while serving a mixed-patient population at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC). Megan loves her co-workers and struggles to be away from them during this time off.

WHY WE’RE HERE

We want to make life easier for Megan and the Hager/Ireland family as they navigate her medical needs and finances. Since Megan has not been able to work since August of 2022, Daniel has had to take a significant amount of time away from work to bring her to appointments, visit her in the hospital, and care for their children. This has caused an extreme loss of income and an increase in debt.

Since getting married, Megan and Daniel have not had a chance to be newlyweds as Megan’s health declined quickly after having Rory. Daniel goes beyond the definition of a loving and compassionate husband. He has stayed true to his bride, through thick and thin. Daniel has had to take on the burdens meant for two young parents and carry those responsibilities on his own. The costs of childcare, household bills, pre-operative procedures, surgery, post-operative round-the-clock care, and extended hospital stays are and will continue to be enormous. Even after Megan receives a new heart, she won’t be able to work for at least six months to ensure a full recovery.

Losing Megan is not an option, and we are determined to do everything in our power to give her a chance at a full recovery and a full life. Lessening the financial burden that Megan and Daniel are facing is the first step in helping to ease their minds and focus on succeeding and thriving in the transplant process and staying as stress-free as possible.

We are reaching out for your support in funding this life-saving surgery for our beloved Megan. Any amount you can give, big or small, will be graciously accepted and appreciated by Megan and her family. Please consider donating and sharing with your network. Most importantly, please keep Megan, Daniel, Owen, and Rory in your thoughts and prayers that the path to getting a new heart goes as quickly and seamlessly as possible.

This is written by one of Megan’s older sisters, Colleen, and will be updated as new information becomes available. A Caring Bridge page is being created by our sister Rachel. When the link to that page is created we will link it below. Likewise, the Go Fund Me link will be posted on the Caring Bridge page.