Shani (Shannin Carter Blake) is on a journey to receive a new heart! She is a Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) warrior! Since a cardiac event in October of 2022 she has been getting worked up for a heart transplant. Unfortunately, due to multiple heart surgeries and the complexity of her congenital history, UK hospital in Lexington is unable to do her transplant. It is no surprise that such a special person needs a specialized team of experts to walk her through these uncertainties.

This journey began the day she was born. Shani was diagnosed with Tetrology of Fallot which resulted in a by-pass surgery at 7 months which was followed up with another surgery at 4 years old. She feels very fortunate to have lived a mostly normal life. She grew up running wild and free with her family and friends and even joined the soccer team! The only limitations that she remembers from childhood was not being able to mow the grass or shovel the snow…and there was plenty of snow in northern Ohio! She also counted it a blessing to get to sit out of highschool PE!

As an adult Shani was lucky enough to have 3 amazing and beautiful children without any complications to her heart. Her children are now adults and she has 2 wonderful and energetic grandbabies.

At the age of 34 Shani’s congenital defect needed some additional attention and she had another surgery to replace a pulmonary valve. Then, in 2019 Shani was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and her health began to decline. In July of 2020 Shani’s doctors put her on disability. In addition, she received a dual pacemaker/defibrillator to prevent sudden death from CHF and keep her heart at a normal pace.

It is discouraging to find out that her regular team of doctors cannot provide the necessary care, but we are trusting that Shani is going to be in the right place, at the right time, for the right heart. This will require a substantial amount of out of state travel for consultations with the transplant team, pre-op care, surgery, and she may have to remain out-of-state for much of her recovery.

We are excited that Shani has upcoming visits with transplant teams and are hopeful that healing is on the way. The next few months will be filled with many extra expenses. Not only will there be additional medical bills (copays, deductibles, anti-rejection meds, etc) for Shani, but Shani’s support team of family will also need financial assistance to sustain long term hotel visits and travel needs. Please give what you can and leave some words of encouragement to show your love and support to Shani and her family.