Loving life, 19 years after her transplant
Meet Abby: advocate, graduate, heart warrior
Abby was born almost two decades ago with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare condition that was often fatal at that time. She had multiple heart-repair surgeries, but they weren’t enough... Thanks to a groundbreaking heart transplant 19 years later, she is living life to the full, embracing a career, travel, sports, a relationship and advocacy.
Abby graduating university.
Abby as valedictorian of her high school.
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Dr. West's research saves children like Abby.
Abby’s life began with a fight. Diagnosed at birth with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a condition where the left side of the heart is critically underdeveloped, she underwent the standard three-stage surgical process intended to help her heart function. While the first surgery did save her life at the time, by the third she was in heart failure.
Her only hope was a transplant. Abby moved to Toronto with her family, living between SickKids Hospital and a nearby apartment for three months while she waited. Low oxygen and poor blood flow left her lips, fingers, and toes purple. Even simple activities, like colouring, drained her energy.
Finally, Abby’s wait was over. The call came that there was a heart for her. While the transplant was successful, Abby’s family stayed six months more in Toronto, so she could be monitored and treated for complications. Eventually, Abby got the green light to move back home and start kindergarten. She stepped into this hope-filled new chapter fueled by the strength and vitality of her new heart.
That chapter has lasted nearly two decades. Now 19 years post-transplant, Abby lives what she calls a “normal” life — working, sharing adventures with her friends, boyfriend and family, and filling her days with purpose. The heart she received has carried her into sports competitions, including the Canadian and World Transplant Games; around the globe for travel; across the stage as her high school’s valedictorian; and through university, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and digital journalism.
But Abby’s story is about more than personal achievement, it’s also about giving back. Abby volunteers with Heart & Stroke and BC Transplant, sharing her journey to raise awareness and show firsthand that transplants truly work.
Abby was valedictorian of her high school and went on to study, travel and become an advocate for Heart & Stroke and BC Transplant.
Abby is living proof that resilience, combined with generosity and medical advances, can turn a childhood of uncertainty into a lifetime of opportunities. Surprising Dr. West was a full-circle moment for Abby. It was a chance to celebrate one another’s accomplishments and share a heartfelt moment of joy and gratitude.
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