Chicago woman triumphs after heart and liver transplant

In June 2024, Laura Valentine underwent a complex double organ transplant, a critical procedure that involved the replacement of both her heart and liver at UChicago Medicine. Born with a congenital heart condition that resulted in only one functioning ventricle and an additional rare genetic disorder causing her organs to be located in reverse positions, Valentine faced profound health challenges throughout her life. As her heart struggled to pump oxygenated blood effectively, her condition deteriorated to the point where her liver began to fail, leading her to yearn for new organs by late 2023. The surgical team, composed of Dr. Valluvan Jeevanandam, Dr. Michael Earing, pediatric cardiologist Dr. Stephen Pophal, and Dr. Rolf Barth, employed innovative techniques, including a 3D model to reconfigure the placement of her organs. This surgery lasted approximately 20 hours and was inherently complicated due to the unique anatomical challenges presented by Valentine's congenital conditions. Despite the complexity, the operation proceeded as planned, resulting in a successful transplant and a new lease on life for Valentine. Only two months after her surgery, she demonstrated her remarkable recovery by climbing the stairs to the top of the former John Hancock Center, motivated by the music of Celine Dion. Her ceaseless drive and optimism have not only illustrated her personal resilience but also her commitment to promoting organ donation among the public. Valentine now acts as an ambassador for awareness and support for organ donors, determined to inspire others to participate in organ donation. With her organs functioning healthily a year post-transplant, medical professionals are projecting that she could enjoy decades more of life. Thanks to groundbreaking medical advancements and her unwavering spirit, Laura Valentine is thriving and embracing life more fully than she ever thought possible.