Stories of Hope
Julia
Julia, a heart recipient from Thornton, Colo., embodies the transformative power of donor recipient stories. Thanks to the selfless decisions of two heart donors, she lives a life filled with purpose and possibility.
Born with dilated cardiomyopathy, Julia faced immense challenges from an early age. Her first heart transplant in 2008 gave her the chance to experience a fuller life. However, after multiple episodes of rejection, her transplanted heart began to fail. During her senior year of high school, after enduring four months on the waiting list, Julia received a second lifesaving heart transplant.
Before these transplants, Julia’s life was profoundly limited. She was tethered to a defibrillator and had to give up dancing, a passion that once brought her joy. Frequent doctor appointments and health struggles disrupted her education and made daily life a challenge. But with her recovery came new opportunities to embrace the activities she loved and rediscover her passions.
Now, Julia dedicates her life to honoring the generosity of her donors. She volunteers in her community, advocates for organ, eye, and tissue donation, and serves as President of CU-Boulder’s Student Organ Donation Advocates (SODA) chapter. Her story inspires others to consider the impact of heart donor stories and the incredible legacy they create.
Thanks to the gifts of her two donors, Julia is pursuing degrees in neuroscience, psychology, and molecular cellular and developmental biology at CU-Boulder. Her first donor, who had cerebral palsy, inspired her to study neuroscience and work toward improving the lives of individuals with similar challenges.
“No ‘thank you’ could properly display my gratitude for receiving such a gift,” said Julia. “Hopefully, through my actions, by living my most authentic life, and through giving back I can show my gratitude.”
Julia’s journey reminds us of the profound connections created through organ donation. Her story is a testament to the impact of donor recipient stories, highlighting how generosity and courage can transform lives.
More Stories
Jason
In 2009, Jason’s life took a dramatic turn. Once healthy and active, he found himself fighting for survival in just one month. What started as mild cold symptoms quickly worsened. After seeking medical attention, Jason was diagnosed with a rare strain of pneumonia. Within four weeks, his condition deteriorated further, leading to congestive heart failure—a […]
Anna
Anna of Littleton, Colo., carries her husband Mike’s legacy of selflessness and love in her heart every day. Their story is one of faith, family, and the lasting impact of organ and tissue donation. Mike was a registered organ, eye, and tissue donor whose generous spirit continues to inspire others in their community. Anna met […]
Phil
Phil of Denver knows the profound uncertainty of waiting for a lifesaving transplant. His journey began when he faced the sudden and devastating onset of liver and kidney failure, a shocking reality that thrust him onto the transplant waitlist. But throughout the darkest moments, his Catholic faith became a wellspring of strength, offering him peace […]