Community Rallying Behind Florida Mom in Search of ‘One in a Million’ Heart Transplant

Orlando, Florida – A mother from Central Florida needs a heart transplant because she has an uncommon “one in a million” cardiac disease. In September 2023, after giving birth to her fifth child, she started to get this illness.

Tashawna Shepard stated, “I just feel like God put me in this situation to teach me a lesson.”

Two weeks after giving birth, she was diagnosed with postpartum cardiomyopathy. Her condition hasn’t been easy to live with.

“I get nervous; I avoid social situations. Sometimes it’s difficult for me to get dressed, get out of bed, cook, and clean.”

When her back started to hurt badly, she realized she had serious health problems.

“It’s not like other people because it was just my back hurting, not like I was having trouble breathing.” I felt like I was paralyzed and in excruciating pain,” she remarked.

o She visited a hospital. Her doctors informed her that she had an enlarged heart after she was admitted. She must now wear a Life Vest around the clock to restart her heart if it stops as she waits for her transplant.

“If I’m out and about or at a theme park, they can track me and find me if my heart stops if I’m out with my kids or anyone,” she explained.

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The paramedic vest alerts them. While she waits for a replacement heart, which may cost up to $1.6 million without insurance, this is a stopgap measure. Shepard needs a heart, and Help Hope Live is one charity that wants to help her obtain one and assist her financially along the way.

“There are expenses like relocation, but it is also food that you need while you are there, and supplies that you need while you’re there, and day-to-day living, and it could be transportation to and from the hospital,” Kelly Green, the executive director of Help Hope Live, said.