Linda Morgan's transplant journey has inspired many people and will continue to do so as she shares her story with the world.
Video: Chris McCauley and Mayen Ma
Linda Morgan's transplant journey has inspired many people and will continue to do so as she shares her story with the world.Linda Morgan, a Georgia woman with a rare heart disease, is celebrating one year since a heart transplant at the University of Alabama at Birmingham saved her life. Morgan's journey to a second chance at life was long and difficult, filled with many challenges and setbacks.
Since being diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension 16 years ago, Morgan's condition has steadily worsened, requiring multiple hospitalizations and a bleak prognosis. Despite facing overwhelming odds, Morgan remained hopeful and determined to find a donor heart.
“They told me to start hospice and prepare for death,” Morgan said. “But I never gave up hope.”
Morgan's patience paid off when she received a call about a potential donor match. Within minutes of our conversation, she was on her way to her destination. UAB Hospital For life-saving surgery.
Morgan, who needs both a heart and lungs, underwent a block transplant. A multidisciplinary team is essential for the successful management of cardiopulmonary block transplants. Clinicians, case managers, and other professionals work together to assess patient eligibility, prepare patients for surgery, and support them through the long recovery process.
Thanks to the generous donation of Jeffrey “Blake” Morris, a registered organ donor who passed away unexpectedly, Morgan was able to receive a life-saving transplant. Morris' selfless decision was driven by legacy of hopechanged Morgan's life forever.
Photo by Linda Morgan“Legacy of Hope is honored to support donor families during their grief journey,” said Ann Rayburn, Legacy of Hope's director of education. “We have witnessed beautiful encounters between donor families and recipients, such as the one we witnessed between the families of heart and double lung recipients Jeffrey “Blake” Morris and Linda Morgan. It's an honor to facilitate this. On their darkest days, donor families think outside of themselves to help others. This meeting directly reflects the impact of Blake's decision to register as a donor. It gave Linda a chance to see and say 'thank you' for the wonderful gift she received.”
Morgan's transplant surgery was successful and she is now recovering well. She is determined to use her second chance to raise awareness about organ donation and encourage others to become donors. In the summer of 2024, Morgan participated in the World Transplant Games and also ran a 5K race.
“I am so grateful to my donor and his family for giving me a second chance at life,” Morgan said. “I honor their selfless gifts and live my life to the fullest. I want people to know that there is hope. Never give up, even when things seem impossible. Please.”
