2017 Karen Koch

KAREN KOCH

Heart Recipient

Age 54 ~ Glendora, California

Domestic Engineer

Honored by Donate Life America at donatelife.net

In 2001, at the age of 39, Karen was hospitalized with heart failure and diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy. The doctors told her at that time she needed a heart transplant. With the help of her cardiologist, medication, and three defibrillators, she was able to gain stabilization and delay the need for a transplant to raise her family. Karen’s condition started to worsen in 2011. In 2014, Karen was listed for a heart transplant. She received the call that a heart had become available the evening of January 13, 2015. She now has a grandbaby whom she loves and adores, and has been able to walk in 5ks. Karen is also able to travel again and support her son’s racecar driving. Karen is forever grateful to her donor who has given her a second chance at life. She hopes to one day meet the family.

Karen’s Story

At the age of 39 in 2001, I ended up in the hospital with heart failure and was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy. I wasn’t feeling quite right months before I was diagnosed but never once thought it was a heart issue. I had a very “normal” life with two children that were 11 & 6 years old, I was working part time, coaching my daughter’s cheer team and volunteering in various ways locally. The doctors then told me I needed a heart transplant. I was in shock. I went through the transplant evaluation and was listed. But with the help of my wonderful cardiologist, medication and three implantable defibrillators later, I was able to gain stabilization and delay the need for a transplant so that I could focus on raising my family.

In 2011, I started to notice a significant change in how I was feeling. It was becoming more difficult to keep up all the things I was doing. In April of 2013, my cardiologist said it was time to start the heart transplant evaluation again. My heart was becoming weaker. In July of 2014, I was officially listed for a heart transplant. I received the call that a heart had become available on the evening of January 13, 2015.

My old heart gave me a great life. I was able to see both of my kids graduate high school, my daughter graduate from college and also see her get married. Since my transplant, I am creating more memories. I feel better now than I have had in such a long time. I now have a grandbaby whom I love and adore; I have been able to walk in a few 5ks and started up with a personal trainer. I am doing things I never thought I would be able to do. I have been able to support my son, Kenton, in his passion to race cars. Through his racing, we have partnered with Donate Life America to bring awareness to the importance of being a registered organ, eye and tissue donor. Earlier this year, Kenton raced in AND WON the 24 Hours of Daytona event. I was thrilled to be there and witness his success. A year ago, I never would have thought I could travel to cheer him on. I will be forever grateful to my donor and her family and for the decision she made to be a registered organ donor. I would not be here today if it wasn’t for her. She has given me a second chance at life. I have not met the family yet, but I hope one day I am able to.