Stories of Hope for Heart Patients

A new heart during the COVID-19 pandemic

Struggling with a heart condition diagnosed in 2004, Jesse received a heart transplant during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Joseph Hillenburg: Celebrating National Donate Life Month

To celebrate both National Donate Life Month and National Pediatric Transplant Week, Joseph Hillenburg, shares his perspective as father of Ben, a transplant recipient.

Gianna Paniagua: Celebrating National Donate Life Month

Gianna Paniagua, heart transplant recipient, shares her story and how every day can feel similar to COVID-19 to her.

Roxanne Watson: Celebrating National Donate Life Month

To celebrate National Donate Life Month, Roxanne Watson shares her story as a heart transplant recipient.

Jennifer Ontiveros: Miracles do happen

On July 18,2019 I received a heart and double lung transplant and it has been the best thing that has every happened to me. Also knowing that I was the first person to receive a heart and double lung transplant in San Diego in 2019.

Melissa Arias: Fighting for a heart

He has had to fight to live for the last 3,283 days.

Maureen Jaret: The heart of giving

Little did I know at the time, but these seemingly benign things would become my entire life! Organ Donation was about to ROCK my world!

Jameson Finney: The transplant that came out of left field

“Jameson was near death,” Dr. Achuff recalls. “It was truly a beautiful orchestration of teamwork and state-of-the-art care that turned the course for Jameson that day in the CICU.”

My second heartbeat

Monique Acosta House was your typical college student 20 years ago with the daily schedule filled with work and classes. She began to notice that she was feeling more tired than usual and had left arm pain. Her friend suggested that she should get that checked out by...