Regina Armstrong

Type of Donation:             Heart and kidney recipient

Age and Location:             Age 45 – Alta Loma, CA

Transplant Date:               1987 and December 31, 2018

Sponsor:                               Honored by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

REGINA’S STORY

As a young girl growing up in California, Regina was a very outgoing child who was always involved in school functions such as singing, talent shows, and being with friends. Her life changed at age 12 when she contracted a virus causing cardiomyopathy. This resulted in her needing a heart transplant in 1987.  Not only did Regina need to learn a whole new lifestyle, but she lost her hearing in the process of the transplant. Regina had to learn to lip read and use a cochlear implant, which has helped her tremendously in hearing and understanding the world again.

Despite these new changes in her life, Regina has always been so grateful to her donor who was only 16.  “She has allowed me to live my life to the fullest!  32 years later with my donor heart, I have been able to go to college where I earned my degree in Early Childhood Education, marry my high school sweetheart Dave, and watch my son, Christian, who is now in high school, grow up.”  Their favorite pastime is being able to enjoy the beach and camping as a family.

In the summer of 2018, Regina was told that her kidneys were failing due to the long-term anti-rejection medications she was taking after her heart transplant. She received her kidney 12/31/18 from a woman in her 20’s. No words can express Regina’s utmost gratitude.  Becoming part of the float is a blessing and allows her to honor her two donor angels and their families in this unique and beautiful manner.

Regina prays that the parents know her heart is forever with them and not a day passes that she is not thinking of them. Regina is active with the Donate Life Run/Walk annually as part of #Team Organ Blessed!  She has had the privilege of working on the Donate Life float prior and meeting the most amazing people and donor families.  Regina is also an Ambassador of OneLegacy, where she is actively involved in sharing her story of hope and inspiration, encouraging others to register as organ and tissue donors.