Organmeetings stories: Experiencing the miracle of transplantation

How did your personal adventure and journey begin leading up to your transplant?

Without having any congenital condition, at the age of 32, as part of a routine check-up for IVF, an electrocardiogram raised concerns to my physician. At the hospital, I was diagnosed with myocarditis, acute at that very moment. The discussion about pregnancy immediately stopped, and I was hospitalized for the first time at the University Hospital of Ioannina. From there, I continued my treatment at the Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, where we initially attempted to manage the myocarditis with medication. Over time, we prolonged my heart function with medication until 2015, when, with the physicians’ guidance, I proceeded with the pregnancy. In 2016, during a routine check-up, myocarditis was detected again, this time with more severe heart damage. From that point on, a downward spiral began; in 2018, I had to have a defibrillator implanted due to the risk of cardiac arrests. In 2022, the defibrillator was upgraded, and just a few months later, my heart failed utterly. I was admitted to the Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center again and remained hospitalized for five months until a suitable donor heart was found. At the end of 2022, the transplant took place, but not before I had to rely on an artificial heart. In fact, I needed to use a second device—another ‘life-support suitcase’—before the heart transplant was finally possible.

Did you prepare yourself for the need for perseverance and patience? Someone might think it’s only natural to break under such pressure.

Even though the situation seemed extremely difficult throughout the process, I never lost hope. I had in mind I should gather all my strength, motivated by my son and my determination to continue living. I felt that I had to go through every stage of what we call the “bridge to life”—even the artificial heart in the first phase gave me hope. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the support of my family and the medical staff, who also became my ‘family.’ They are constantly by your side, sharing stories of other successful transplants. This encouragement is invaluable and helps you hold on.

Did you experience the common fears surrounding the transplant process?

Yes, at first, I looked for stories of people who had undergone transplants and survived. I now believe that information is crucial. Myths about transplantation are still being spread. But someone waiting for a transplant understands that brain death is medically confirmed beyond any doubt.

Have you met the family of the young woman who donated your heart?

Yes, much later. I had initially sent an anonymous letter, following the process outlined by the Hellenic Transplant Organization. After the operation, I met Emma’s mother. She acted with full awareness of her decision, showing remarkable generosity toward me. Her family always emphasizes that six people were saved through this process, and what’s truly admirable is that they continue advocating for organ donation. I only received kindness from them, along with the mother’s wishes and her words, that I was given a strong and good heart. What I tell myself is that I must honor this gift, leading a balanced and meaningful life since I was given a second chance.

What would you say to a potential donor who hesitates about becoming part of the chain of life?

I would say what statistics show: it is more likely that we will need an organ transplant at some point in our lives than that we will be in a position to donate. Also, none of us are invulnerable.