The Biggest Gift

After  receiving a heart transplant, Megan Horton,  a Texas Children’s staffer shares how she celebrates the biggest gift she’s ever received . Happy Holidays, Everyone! 

 

 

Twelve years ago, a family lost their daughter. Twelve years ago, a 17-year-old lost her best friend. Twelve years ago, friends, family and loved ones had to say goodbye to a girl who passed away too soon.

Twelve years ago, I received the gift of life at Texas Children’s Hospital with a heart transplant. It’s always hard for me to celebrate my “heart birthday” each summer, when I know a family is grieving. The girl who donated her heart would have been 27 this year. I hope her family would find joy in all the things I’ve been able to accomplish by receiving the gift of their daughter’s heart.

In the past 12 years, I’ve accomplished so much. I graduated from high school and college, moved to a new city, landed my dream job, celebrated so many birthdays and anniversaries, and traveled to paradise.

I was only 14 years old when I received the greatest gift of my heart transplant, and while I’ve faced many challenges, I’ve always tried to have a positive outlook on life and remember that my life is a gift.

Each and every Christmas, no matter what presents are under the tree, my greatest gift is always the fact that I am there to celebrate with my family with a strong and joyful heart.

I’m very blessed that I received my transplant when I did. Every day, 22 people will pass away because they didn’t receive an organ in time. Please sign-up to be an organ donor and make your wishes known to your family. If you’d like to learn more about organ donation, please visit DonateLife.net.

 

 

Megan Horton is a heart recipient and the blog content manager for Texas Children’s Hospital.