Tina Buck, 46, is one of the longest-surviving heart transplant recipients in the world, celebrating 31 years with her donor heart. At just 15 years old, she was an active teenager involved in sports, cheerleading, and marching band at Indian River High School when she suddenly struggled to keep up. Initially misdiagnosed as a “lazy teenager” and later with asthma, a doctor finally discovered a bulging vein in her neck. A chest X-ray revealed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy—her heart had become too enlarged to contract properly, leading to heart failure.
She spent months at CHKD waiting for a donor. Every year, between 4,000 and 5,000 people in the U.S. wait for a heart transplant, with factors like blood type, weight, and location determining wait times. A heart can only survive outside the body for four hours, making matching critical. Tina’s donor was 11-year-old Natalie from Asheville, North Carolina, who tragically lost her life after being struck by teenage drag racers while walking to the mailbox. Initially, Natalie’s father refused to donate her organs, but her mother convinced him, saying Natalie always loved helping others.
Now, three decades later, Tina continues to thrive. While the average transplant survival is 15 years, medical advancements are extending lives. She recently completed her first Heart Walk, proudly earning a medal. She remains close to Natalie’s family, calling Natalie’s aunt her “heart aunt.” A scrapbook filled with memories honors both of their journeys.
Tina sees rainbows as signs of hope, a tradition started by her transplant coordinator, who wished on one the night before her surgery. Grateful for her second chance, she urges others to become organ donors, knowing firsthand that one choice can save multiple lives.
