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Help Hope Live for Linda Jara

February 2024 Update: I have been a brand ambassador for the past few years for Help Hope Live and in this role I have had the opportunity to do some many amazing things. One of the more enjoyable, and important, events I participate in is when I go to the Gift of Life, Howie’s House with Sonny or Melanie and get to talk about Help Hope Live with transplant candidates and recipients. I attended the Gala in 2023, sat at table 1, sat with KJ Henry’s mom, an absolutely wonderful woman and won a gift card that I placed a bid on. The fundraisers I participated in during 2023 were a Super Bowl pool, Hope Travels and Giving Tuesday.

Updates (68)

April 7, 2025

Hello and Happy Spring! I had my annual check up in March and for the first time in eight and a half years I had a my cellcept reduced. Cellcept is one of my anti-rejection medications that puts me at a high risk for skin cancer. I had a slight drop in my ejection fraction but I am still within a normal range. As far as my post transplant complications, I have a new GI doctor (my doctor retired) and had my five year colonoscopy. I also passed the colonoscopy and I am happy I have to have them every five years because due to my heart, I have a two day prep. I will admit, a two day prep is brutal. My neurologist is considering an EMG to target my neuropathy. I am aware that an EMG is an unpleasant test so I am trying to hold off as long as possible. I am making progress with physical therapy for my shoulder. My shoulder was injured during my first open heart surgery. My top rib popped out and I started PT in June. I have also been busy as an ambassador with Help Hope Live. I was at the Gift of Life Howie’s House, spoke at a Jefferson’s Heart Transplant Support Group and was a panelist twice for Help Hope Live webinars. I will also be womaning the table at Help Hope Live’s upcoming Hope In Action.

November 21, 2024

November 2024 - Happy Thanksgiving! I passed my annual heart tests in September and that was a relief. I most recently had a neurology appointment last week and have a GI appointment in December with a new doctor, the northeast’s leading specialist in gastropersis. Do I think he will have a magic solution for my problem? No I do not. Not much can be done when the vagus nerve was severed. I started PT in June for a shoulder injury that happened during my first open heart surgery. Somehow my very top rib on the left side was displaced during that first surgery and I have been limited in ways I can treat the pain. I have made great strides we are also treating the tendinitis I have in my hips. And all these years I thought I needed a walking stick! In addition to my regular acupuncturist, I started seeing a second acupuncturist by her recommendation who specializes in pain management. After 8 years, I am finally addressing the chronic pain from my two open heart surgeries I am doing everything I can to keep myself healthy.I am still working as a Help Hope Live ambassador and I truly enjoy working with the organization. I was able to attend the Gala again this year and it was a lot of fun. I hope everyone has a lovely holiday!

Photo Galleries (7)

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Guestbook

December 3, 2024

Forever thankful she received a heart ❤️

Kelly Gardner

May 31, 2024

Love you Linda❤️

Felicia Teske

May 31, 2024

Love ya, Linny

Kelly Gardner