In 2019, my life changed forever when I was hospitalized with liver failure. Although I knew my entire life I would need a transplant due to Biliary Atresia at birth, there is no real way to prepare yourself for what I was about to endure. I was hospitalized with 5% liver function and immediately rushed to the ICU where I would remain for 3 months. After being in a coma for most of November, I finally received my liver transplant on 12/9/2019. My surgeons came in a week afterwards and stated that they were unhappy with how my body was responding. My body began to reject my newly transplanted liver, which was now causing my kidney to fail. After 5 major surgeries and 17 surgical procedures, I received the perfect liver and kidney 1/14/2020 and one of the oldest Biliary Atresia patients to receive a transplant. While in the hospital I lost my vision, eyesight, memory, and ability to perform daily functions and now knew that I had a long road ahead. I was released from the hospital 3/6/2020 on a walker weighing 115lbs and standing tall at 6'. I've spent my time since being released form the hospital learning to walk and recently running my first 5K. My perspective on life has shifted massively which fuels my energy and happiness every single day. I am able to relate to the hardships of many people around me and create inspiration and motivation on the dimmest moments. I am an advocate for great health, for transplant survivors, hospital patients, for athletes who may feel disadvantaged, and for anyone who is having issues with acknowledging their own greatness. I lead my life now with loyalty, love, and respect and have committed myself to helping others create the same perspective. We're better when we're connected and sometimes all it takes to be better, is to see and be surrounded by the energy that fuels drive, determination, and resiliency in your heart.
