Megan's Heart Transplant & Recovery

Hey guys, my name is Riley Erdner, and I'm starting this fundraiser for my big sister. Megan is the most courageous, intelligent, loving, hilarious, and beautiful person I've ever met. Anyone who knows her personally feels exactly the same! I grew up idolizing her, and I still do. She is my world and my most incredible role model. Ever since the day I was born, I have followed her around and copied her every move.

Seven years ago, Megan was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure. Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should. When this happens, blood often backs up and fluid can build up in the lungs, causing shortness of breath. At the time, it was the biggest shock to our family, friends, and especially her. Nonetheless, she powered through surgery to repair her prolapsed mitral and tricuspid valves which helped her heart begin to heal and pump more efficiently. Megan’s condition has been relatively stable, but unfortunately, Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is not a reversible condition. It is a long-term condition that gets worse over time. In its early stages, medication can help manage heart failure.

On July 7th Megan began to experience more severe CHF symptoms. At the ER, it was determined that her heart is in worse condition than before and that she has Advanced Stage Heart Failure. She was transferred and admitted to the ICU at Moses Cone Hospital.

As the disease progressed, the heart became weaker, and now her treatments will get more complex. Megan’s heart is no longer able to work well enough on its own and won’t get better. Her amazing doctors have met and determined that Megan’s next step is a heart transplant and she will be officially placed on the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) national waitlist.

On July 12th, Megan underwent open heart surgery for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation. (ECMO) is a machine that pumps and oxygenates blood, supporting the work of both the heart and lungs. It is a short-term bridge while waiting for a heart transplant. On Wednesday, July 20th, Megan was transported to Duke Heart in Durham, NC, where she is waiting for a healthy donor heart. ❤️

As you can imagine, it’s been a very emotional and frightening few weeks for Megan and my family. Megan faces a long medical journey, waiting for a new heart is just the beginning. Her journey over the next year will include many types of rehabilitation, lifelong immunosuppressive and other medications, continued monitoring, and visits with medical personnel. Megan will be unable to work for quite some time and all money donated will be used to help cover expenses that will occur for her and my family in the next several months and the coming year.

Thank you for showing love and support for my big sister, Megan.