A Second Chance at Life: Donna Hart’s Journey Through Heart Transplantation
When Donna Hart first learned she had heart disease, she was blindsided. A healthy, active lifestyle defined her world, making the diagnosis seem impossible. But in December 2014, her life took a dramatic turn when she went from backcountry kayaking and cycling to being diagnosed with giant cell myocarditis, a rare and severe form of heart disease that would ultimately lead to a heart transplant.
A Journey of Unexpected Challenges
Donna’s story begins like many others who value their health and fitness. In the summer of 2014, she was conquering multi-day kayaking trips and cycling 355 kilometers for fun. Her life seemed unstoppable. But by December, her energy plummeted, and breathlessness overtook her once-strong body. What she thought might be solved with an inhaler quickly revealed itself to be a dire cardiac condition.
By New Year’s Eve, Donna left the hospital with only 30% of her heart functioning and a diagnosis of myocarditis. A few weeks later, her heart function plummeted to 13%. Despite medications and intensive care, her health declined rapidly. In January 2015, she was transferred to Toronto General Hospital (TGH), where the gravity of her situation became undeniable: without a heart transplant, Donna would not survive.
The waiting process for a transplant was agonizing. By March 2015, Donna’s condition worsened to the point where she could no longer leave the hospital. Her other organs began to fail, and palliative care was mentioned as a possibility. Despite this, Donna remained determined, supported by her family and her own resilience.
“I walked my friends to the elevator in the hospital,” she recalls. “I told them that if my organs failed, I’d be moved off the transplant list and into palliative care.”
Receiving the Gift of Life
When Donna received word that a heart was available for her, her emotions were bittersweet. She was grateful for the opportunity to live but acutely aware that this gift came from the loss of someone else.
“It is with mixed emotion,” she shared, “when the doctor told me they had a heart for me. I was terribly happy and equally as sad for a family that had lost a loved one.”
The surgery came with its own challenges, including a collapsed lung that initially went unnoticed. Donna’s husband played a critical role, advocating for her when her breathing problems persisted. It was his insistence that led doctors to discover and address the issue, further demonstrating the importance of having loved ones by your side during such a difficult journey.
Life After Transplant
A heart transplant changed Donna’s life in immeasurable ways. From the moment she began her recovery, she was determined to make the most of her second chance. Ten years post-transplant, Donna has achieved milestones she once thought were impossible.
“I won a silver medal in the 50-meter breaststroke at the World Transplant Games,” she said with pride. She also earned two bronze medals in backstroke events, a remarkable feat for someone who hadn’t competed in swimming for years before her transplant.
Donna channels her gratitude by speaking publicly for organizations like Heart & Stroke and participating in campaigns to raise awareness about organ donation. She even connected with her donor’s family, an experience that brought both healing and a sense of connection.
“One night, a man showed up at my door and said, ‘I think these are yours,’” she explained, recalling how her donor’s husband returned medals Donna had sent to honour his late wife. Their heartfelt meeting highlighted the deep and lasting bonds that organ donation can create.
Advocating for Organ Donation
Through her story, Donna emphasizes the importance of organ donation and dispels common misconceptions.
Being an organ donor doesn’t affect the care you receive in the ICU. Every patient gets the same quality care, whether they’re a donor or not. Organ donation is a personal choice and is only discussed during end-of-life conversations with your family.
Furthermore, Donna has advocated for many years with the Heart and Stroke Foundation for women’s heart health, organ donation and heart transplant advocacy.
Honouring the Gift of Life
Donna’s journey is a testament to resilience, advocacy, and the profound impact of organ donation. She lives every day honouring the gift of life, making the most of her second chance by inspiring others, staying active, and cherishing the time she has.
Her message to everyone is clear: “Research saves lives… organ donation saves lives.”
How You Can Help
Donna’s story underscores the critical need for organ donors. Registering as a donor and discussing your decision with your family can save lives like hers. Learn more about how you can become a donor and give the ultimate gift of life. Visit our Provincial Registry Page.