URGENT UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, Monica McFarlan, a mother who was told she had just days to live, has received a miraculous second chance at life through a groundbreaking surgical procedure. After battling heart failure for over 15 years, McFarlan’s situation became dire when she was informed that traditional transplant options were no longer available.
Diagnosed at the young age of 37, McFarlan faced relentless health challenges, including multiple hospitalizations and emergency surgeries. In early 2023, after evaluations at various transplant centers across the country, her family received devastating news: she had only two days to two weeks to prepare for goodbye. The prognosis was grim due to high levels of antibodies in her body, which disqualified her from a standard heart transplant and led to discussions of hospice care.
Then, everything changed with a single question: “Have you ever heard of the HALT procedure?” This innovative approach—Heart After Liver Transplant—involves first receiving a liver transplant, which protects the body from rejecting the new heart by absorbing harmful antibodies. The procedure had only recently been developed in 2023.
Dr. Victor Pretorius, surgical director for heart transplant at Emory, explained the high-stakes nature of the operation: “We had an excellent cross-match, but we knew the heart would be rejected if we didn’t follow this strategy.” The 16-hour surgery was an extraordinary success, marking the first time the HALT procedure was performed in Georgia and only the second in the United States.
Just three months post-surgery, McFarlan is not just alive but flourishing. “It feels good to laugh again, to feel like myself again,” she stated, reflecting on her emotional journey from despair to hope. “I had a second chance, a third chance, a fourth chance! I am just so grateful.”
In an incredible twist, McFarlan’s structurally healthy liver was donated to another patient in need, potentially saving another life in the process. This remarkable story of resilience and hope highlights the profound impact of medical innovation and community support.
As McFarlan continues her recovery, she expresses immense gratitude for her second chance at life. “My faith has grown so strong,” she shared. “Without God, I wouldn’t be here right now.”
This life-affirming story is a testament to the power of modern medicine and the unwavering spirit of those who fight against the odds. Stay tuned for more updates on McFarlan’s journey and the implications of the HALT procedure in the medical community.
