Heather's Story
I am fortunate and grateful that two people in this world, who decided to say "yes" to donation, were able to help me in a time of need.
Heather | Two-time Tissue Recipient
When Heather was a junior in high school, she tore the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in her right knee while playing soccer. She had her first surgery to repair her knee using her own tissue; however, she re-injured the same knee in a snowboarding accident, which required a second surgery.
After consulting with her orthopedic surgeon, Heather decided to undergo surgery, which required using tissue from a donor. Heather’s decision to accept the tissue was made after she educated herself and discussed the option with her family. However, one year after her surgery her knee wasn’t healing properly and a third surgery, this time with donated bone, was required to repair her knee.
Heather is currently recovering from the third (and hopefully last) attempt to repair her torn ACL. Since her personal experience with donation, Heather has chosen to become a registered organ and tissue donor. She also decided to make organ and tissue donation education and awareness a big part of her life through volunteering, beauty pageants and speaking engagements.
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