Yolanda Harshaw

Organ recipient

Age 43 – Little Rock, AR

Honored by Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency

Yolanda Harshaw was diagnosed with pregnancy-induced cardiomyopathy in March of 2004, two months after giving birth to her first child. She battled with the disease for ten years, while seeking and continuing medical treatment that required extended hospitalization. Yolanda’s condition worsened and she ended up on life support in May of 2010, after giving birth to her second child. For the next four years, Yolanda continued to endure extended hospitalization, and that she would eventually need a heart transplant. Yolanda was placed on the donor list on December 25, 2014. On December 26, Yolanda received the call that changed her life forever; they found a perfect match in less than twenty-four hours of her being listed. She shortly headed to the hospital, where she received the most amazing gift of life. The transplant was a success. Yolanda was able to meet her donor family last year and since then they have grown very close; she says it is like having a second amazing family. Both Yolanda and her donor, Melissa, will be honored on the Donate Life Float in 2018.

Yolanda’s Story

Yolanda Harshaw was diagnosed with pregnancy-induced cardiomyopathy in March of 2004, two months after giving birth to her first child. She battled with the disease for ten years, while seeking and continuing medical treatment that required extended hospitalization, which interfered with her being able to maintain an active lifestyle with her child. Yolanda’s condition worsened and she ended up on life support in May of 2010, after giving birth to her second child. Yolanda was able to come off life support after three days. For the next two years Yolanda continued to endure extended hospitalization, and she was recommended to see a heart doctor at another local hospital.

In 2012, Yolanda was informed that her only chance of life was to receive a heart transplant. Yolanda was placed on the donor list on December 25th, 2014. On December 26th of 2014 Yolanda received the call that changed her life forever; they found a perfect match after only being on the transplant list for less than twenty-four hours. After Yolanda made all of her phone calls to family and friends she headed to the hospital where she received the most amazing gift of life. The transplant was a success.

After months of recovery and doctor visits, Yolanda is going strong. She is able to watch her children grow up because of the amazing gift she received from such an amazing person. Yolanda was able to meet her donor family last year and since then they have grown very close; she says it is like having a second amazing family. Yolanda is grateful for the Owen family and Melissa’s gift of life. She will love them forever. Yolanda now has a second chance of life and will enjoy every moment of it. Transplant is a selfless amazing gift that is truly a blessing.