Melissa first contacted Chloe’s family six months after her transplant. With an overwhelming desire to thank them, she wrote them a confidential letter through the organ procurement organizations (Gift of Hope IL and Carolina Donor Services). On the year anniversary of Chloe’s death, Jon and Linda wrote back stating what an amazing athlete Chloe was. From that point forward, Melissa made it her mission to honor Chloe by participating in the Hustle up the Hancock, which requires athletic ability and months of training.
Three years after her life changing surgery, Melissa completed the 95 flight stair climb and when she reached the finish line, Chloe parents were standing by with stethoscopes in hand to listen to their daughters heart. In order to keep this gift health, Melissa regularly exercises and plans to climb the John Hancock tower with Chloe’s heart for years to come.
“It feels wonderful to do something that was never possible before the transplant. I had so many limitations before transplant and now, I feel that I can do anything I set my mind to. I trained very hard for the climb so it was rewarding to make it to the top, the training paid off. I think about all of the sick people waiting for organs and how much they too would love to do something like the Hustle, and so I climb for them also!”
To learn more about Melissa’s mission to stay healthy and spread the word about organ donation, please contact Melissa.