Chance O'Hearn, 21, of Kentwood, currently lives with his mother, Alice McFarlane, in Nashville, Tennessee, where he is waiting for a complete heart and liver transplant.
Chance has struggled with his health since he was born prematurely in Baton Rouge. He was diagnosed with a defect that damaged his organs and a few years later developed protein-losing enteropathy.
In addition to these diagnoses, he underwent four open heart surgeries and one bowel surgery.
Now, Chance has no choice but to undergo a transplant to save his failing heart and liver. He is currently ranked Status 4 on the National Heart and Liver Transplant List and is constantly being tested and evaluated.
His mother said, “Over time, his heart becomes weaker. His heart only has one pumping chamber, and it gets tired from doing all the work. His oxygen levels are Usually around 80, but the fact that I'm 6 feet 5 inches makes it a little harder for my heart to pump blood to my extremities.”
The two have been living in Tennessee since January as they await a transplant.
McFarlane said the most stressful part of the move was finding a place because of the rental prices. Fortunately, a friend contacted them and they were able to rent the apartment that their friend's daughter and son-in-law were moving into at a reasonable price.
McFarlane said she enjoys the beauty of the area, but said she and Chance miss the family and pets they had to leave behind.
“Family is a great support and source of comfort. It's just Chance and I here in Nashville. We've made some great friends along the way. God has opened many doors and helped us through this journey. We are grateful for this because it has planted people in our path to do this,” MacFarlane said.
While waiting for the transplant, the two indulged in Chance's Civil War history spots in Nashville, went on picnics for drives, cooked gluten-free food and snacks, and went to physical therapy several times a week. I spend my time going to.
Chance said he has made friends who play video games, and McFarlane is trying to attend a local church.
MacFarlane said the reality of being on the transplant waiting list can depend on several variables. As of March 29 of this year, there were approximately 3,436 people waiting for a heart transplant in the United States, Chance's mother said.
In addition to this, Chance has a rare O-negative blood type, which means he has to go even further on the transplant waiting list. “We feel that Mr. Chance will be given a new organ when the time is right,” MacFarlane said.
The 21-year-old has many friends and family here in Louisiana and around the world wishing him well, including his cousin Michaela O'Hearn, who first shared his story. Some contacted the Daily Star for inquiries.
Michaela said: “I love him so much and I really hope that he can continue to share his story and inspire others. He has a great sense of humor. He taught me to always look on the bright side of life.”
Chance and his family have received current and past support from organizations such as Teach, Assist, Reach, Connect, and the Pediatric Organ Transplant Association.
He got older and graduated from TARC a while ago, but they still help his family by providing supplements, helping out when needed, and even bringing him gifts on holidays. Ta. COTA will support Chance and his mother for the rest of their lives, with 100% of the funds donated in patient's honor going toward transplant-related expenses.
Chance's mother also wants people to know there is a GoFundMe account on Facebook under “Give Chance a Chance.”
For other parents in similar situations, MacFarlane suggested the most important thing to do is educate yourself about your child's condition.
“Understanding it will help you make decisions that will save lives. Know as much as you can about it. I've looked into everything,” McFarlane said.
His goals have not changed since the creation of this page. Chance still plans to visit Japan one day, a lifelong dream, and hopes to pursue a career in computer technology, which he has found to be one of his strengths in his spare time.
Chance said she would tell anyone facing a situation like hers to “never give up, believe in God and pray.”
