Heart Recipient Travels the World
Marion Jones traveled to Beijing, China, where she toured the famous Forbidden City and walked along the Great Wall. Prior to her vacation, she took a Chinese language class so she could more fully immerse herself in the culture. Reminiscing about the trip, Marion says simply, "I loved it!"
It's not surprising that the world traveler, who has also been to Africa, Europe and South America, relished the experience. Marion has a zest for living. Perhaps that's because she got a second chance at life in 1994 when she received a heart transplant. "I think it's the greatest gift," says Marion. "When it first happened, I just couldn't believe it. I kept thinking it's not going to last that long."
Before her transplant, Marion didn't have much energy for the activities she enjoys today. In the 1980s, she was diagnosed with heart failure, a condition that weakens and enlarges the heart. Doctors, who suspected a virus caused her illness, prescribed medication that alleviated her symptoms. But by 1993, her heart failure had progressed.
In January 1994, Marion made a routine visit to a doctor at the Cleveland Clinic who treated her for diabetes. When she described her symptoms, he immediately sent her to a cardiologist. After a series of tests, Marion was told her heart had deteriorated so much that she needed a transplant.
Marion went on the organ waiting list in February. Within two weeks, she received a donor heart. "I was never a sick person," says Marion. "I went all through elementary school, high school and college and never missed any days of school. I didn't catch any childhood diseases. I always ate right and wasn't stressed out. The doctors said there was nothing I could've done about my bad heart."
"I tell people as often as I can that I have a donor heart, and I ask them if they are registered as a donor," says Marion.
Marion often shares her story with people in her African-American community, discrediting misconceptions about organ donation and encouraging people to register. The shortage in donations is particularly significant for minorities.
Marion has also traveled to Senegal and Ghana. She is thankful that one family's decision to donate their loved one's heart allowed her such an experience.
You have the power to save lives by becoming a registered organ and tissue donor right now or by saying "yes" when renewing your driver license or state ID at the BMV.
