Laura Valentine, 35, was born with a rare condition in which her organs were reversed—her heart was on the right side instead of the left. Additionally, she was born with only half a heart, meaning she had just one functioning pump instead of two. She underwent her first open-heart surgery as a baby and has since had two more, the latest in the summer of 2023 when both her heart and liver began to fail.
Her third open-heart surgery was performed at the University of Chicago Medicine, where doctors used virtual reality to map her unique anatomy before the procedure. This technology helped surgeons plan the removal of her failing organs and the attachment of her new heart and liver. Dr. Michael Earing, part of Valentine’s extensive healthcare team, explained that patients with congenital heart defects often face increased risks due to previous surgeries affecting other organs like the kidneys and liver. Over the past four years, the hospital has completed 26 congenital heart transplants, including 11 dual heart-liver transplants.
Now, just months after the life-saving procedure, Valentine is thriving. She has started a doctorate program, gotten engaged, and is training for the Hancock Stair Climb, aiming to complete 94 flights of stairs. Currently, she can do 71 flights straight through on a stair master and is determined to reach her goal.
On Valentine’s Day, she celebrated the holiday with her fiancé, embracing her new lease on life. Grateful for her second chance, she serves as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges, proving that perseverance and medical advancements can make the impossible possible.
