August OTS Meeting Recap: Mother & Daughter heart transplant Story

At the OTS meeting on August 6, 2021, Donna Ramusack shared the unusual story of how both she and her daughter received heart transplants.   Donna’s daughter Leslie was first diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and learned that she needed a heart transplant to live.   Leslie was only on the transplant wait list for 2 months before she received a heart transplant on April 1, 2001. 

Just three years after Leslie’s transplant Donna started to experience the same symptoms of heart failure as her daughter.  After testing at a Chicago transplant center Donna learned that she had a rare condition called parchment heart, and she too would need a heart transplant to live.  Donna received a heart transplant on June 17, 2004, just three years after her daughter’s surgery.

Donna’s words of advice for all transplant recipients -   Make the most of every day and don’t be afraid to try new challenges.  Donna reminded us that life is for the living, and you are never too old to learn new things.  Donna stated “Life gives you many challenges, and you can either go down in defeat or rise up. In victory.  My daughter and I chose the latter.”

Thank you to Donna Ramusack for inspiring us all during the OTS meeting in August 2021.