Donor-supported innovation paves way for life-saving heart transplant

At just 47-years old, Michelle has already had three hearts beating in her chest.

The fact that she is alive to tell her remarkable story is a testament to both her strength and determination, and the groundbreaking care at Toronto’s University Health Network (UHN).

Only five days after giving birth to her son Jaylen, Michelle suffered a heart attack triggered by a spontaneous coronary artery dissection – a lifethreatening condition caused by a tear in the artery that can slow or stop blood flow to the heart.

The brand-new mom was given the devastating news that she would need a heart transplant. “Every time I held my son, I thought about what plans I needed to make. I kept telling my husband what to do if I wasn’t here one day,” she recalls.

Michelle spent a month in the ICU before being referred to UHN’s Peter Munk Cardiac Centre.

Dr. Heather Ross, Head of the Division of Cardiology at Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, was very honest with Michelle when they met to discuss her first transplant. “She told me it wasn’t the end and that a lot of people lead healthy lives after transplant,” Michelle remembers. “But she also gently reminded me that there aren’t any hearts sitting around waiting for me, and there was a chance I might never get one.”

After two years on the waitlist, she had her first heart transplant.

First heart transplant. Because 12 years later she would need a second transplant after developing coronary artery vascular disease – a common occurrence for heart transplant recipients. Thankfully, her second transplant was successfully performed by the teams at UHN’s Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and Ajmera Transplant Centre.

The exceptional level of care she received at UHN is what Michelle remembers most. “The quality of care and the research UHN does to extend our lives is only possible because of the donations people make to UHN Foundation,” says Michelle.

Seventeen years ago, Michelle spent two years attending frequent bloodwork and check-up appointments, waiting for a heart and fearing that she wouldn’t be alive to see her son grow up.

Today, thanks to game-changing innovation at UHN’s Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, heartfailure patients have access to the Medly app, a proprietary heart failure management program providing remote cardiac care around the clock.

If this app was available all those years ago, Michelle would have had peace of mind from virtually anywhere – allowing her care team to monitor and intervene in real time.

Research shows patients who use the app are 50 per cent less likely to be rehospitalized.

Innovations like Medly are made possible thanks to donor support. Donations are responsible for many world-first achievements that are changing – and saving – countless lives at UHN. The world-renowned clinicians and scientists at UHN are continuously developing innovative care methods for patients in our communities and around the world.

Today Michelle is doing well. She is thrilled to be able to look forward to her son’s high school graduation next year – a milestone that seemed impossible all those years ago. She credits UHN research and donor generosity for making her dream come true. “Doctors are taking care of me with new and innovative technology that didn’t exist 10 years ago. Because of donations, I am still here today.”

This holiday season, give patients like Michelle a second – and third – chance at life with a gift to support healthcare innovation at UHN. Donate today at