Emily Wiebke
Emily Wiebke: I have a wonderful daughter named Aryanna who was born on April 20, 2003. She was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (where the heart becomes weakened and enlarged, unable to pump effectively) at 7.5 months of age. It was decided she would need a heart transplant. She was hospitalized at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Children’s Hospital for 419 days (356 listed) as she waited for her transplant, which occurred December 31, 2004. During that time I did not work; I was with her all the time. I had never thought about organ donation beyond the ‘Yes’ on my driver’s license before she was listed. Aryanna’s transplant has changed our lives. I have spoken a few times to groups for the Iowa Donor Network; I have always cried. I am a member of Mended Little Hearts of SE Minnesota (even though I live in Iowa). It is sometimes scary to think of the time she will need another heart, but we are ready.