A New Lease on Life: Kristin King’s Journey of Gratitude and Resilience
Kristin King knows what it means to cherish every moment. Since undergoing a heart transplant in September 2023, she views each day as a precious gift. Life, she says, can change in an instant. Just months before her transplant, King was a healthy new mother with no history of heart issues. But after giving birth, her world turned upside down. She began experiencing alarming symptoms—difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue, and an inability to eat or drink. Initially, she and her husband, Gavyn Johnson-Dean, attributed these issues to the aftermath of pregnancy and a C-section. However, as the symptoms worsened, it became clear that something was terribly wrong. Johnson-Dean insisted she seek emergency medical care, a decision that would prove life-saving.
A Rare Diagnosis and a Race Against Time
At the hospital, doctors discovered that King was suffering from peripartum cardiomyopathy, a rare and serious condition where the heart weakens during the late stages of pregnancy or shortly after childbirth. Symptoms of this condition, which include fatigue, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath, can often be mistaken for normal postpartum recovery. In King’s case, the condition was particularly aggressive, requiring immediate intervention. As she waited for a donor heart, she remained hospitalized, separated from her newborn son, Gage, and her family. The emotional toll was immense. Johnson-Dean described the period as a “flood of different emotions—happiness, fear, anxiety.” The uncertainty of whether King would receive a donor heart in time weighed heavily on their minds.
A Second Chance at Life
After months of waiting, King finally received the news she had been praying for—a donor heart was available. The transplant surgery lasted an arduous 11 hours, but the outcome was nothing short of miraculous. King was given a second chance at life, a gift she does not take lightly. Today, she wears a bracelet as a reminder of her donor and the profound sacrifice that made her survival possible. “What do I not want them to know?” King reflects about her donor. “The biggest thing for me is that this decision allowed me to be a mom. Every day, I imagined my family and not being there for them, and what their lives would be like without me.” Her gratitude is palpable, and she sees every moment with her loved ones as a treasure.
Recovery and Rediscovering Life
King’s journey is far from over. She is now about 18 months into what her family describes as a lifelong recovery process. The road to healing has been challenging, but she finds joy in the little things. “It’s kind of surreal,” she admits. “I have little moments that mean the world to me.” These moments—watching her son grow, spending time with her family, and appreciating the beauty of life—remind her of how fragile and precious life can be. While her recovery is ongoing, King is determined to make the most of her second chance. Her story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity.
A Message of Hope and Advocacy
King’s story also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of advocating for one’s health. Dr. Phillip Lam, a heart failure and transplant cardiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, where King underwent her transplant, emphasizes this point. “Be your own advocate for your health,” he urges. “If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Seek care.” King’s case was rare and aggressive, and her journey highlights the critical role of timely medical intervention. By sharing her story, she hopes to inspire others to prioritize their health and trust their instincts when something doesn’t feel right.
The Legacy of Gratitude
Kristin King’s journey is one of gratitude, resilience, and hope. Her story underscores the profound impact of organ donation and the importance of cherishing every moment. As she continues her recovery, King carries her donor’s legacy with her, honoring their gift by living life to the fullest. Her experience serves as a reminder to all of us to appreciate the beauty of life, to advocate for our health, and to never take anything for granted. In the end, King’s story is not just about a second chance at life—it’s about the power of love, gratitude, and the human spirit.
