Brenda: Freedom to Live Mercy Medical Angels

In 2017, Brenda went to the doctor for a series of tests. The results were grim: she had blood clots in her lungs. She had to take blood thinners to dissolve the clotting. She was put on oxygen so she could breathe more easily. More tests revealed more problems: Brenda had a hole in her heart. These two conditions may have proven fatal – unless she could get specialized surgery to fix her cardiac troubles.

The best cardiac surgeon to help Brenda was located in San Diego. However, Brenda lives in Illinois. She’d have to fly more than 1,500 miles away from home to receive the surgery. Long-distance airfare would have drained her resources. Worse, time was running out. Brenda’s life depended on the flight.

Mercy Medical Angels was able to help Brenda fly to San Diego for the surgery. Her mother accompanied her. Since it was their first time flying, they didn’t know what to expense. “The airline was very helpful,” said Brenda. The airline made sure to provide wheelchairs. Aside from the usual help, Brenda and her mother received assistance with their carry-on luggage.

One of the highlights of flying is a bird’s-eye view of the landscape. Brenda and her mother were experiencing flight for the first time ever, and didn’t know what they were looking at. Luckily, the airline was happy to help. “The pilots were really helpful when it came to sights that you could see below.”

Overall, Brenda said her flight was “great.”

Once in San Diego, Brenda rushed to the hospital. The surgeon had to fix the hole in her heart. On top of that, the blood clots in her lungs had gotten worse. Nineteen clots had to be removed. It was a difficult operation, but Brenda made it through.
“It was a life-saving procedure,” said Brenda. The surgery went beyond saving her life. It also improved her life overall.

Brenda says she couldn’t access the surgery without the flight assistance from Mercy Medical Angels. She thanks Mercy Medical Angels for their role in saving her life. “Without your help,” she said, “I don’t know how long I’d be here.”

Now, Brenda is on her way to healing. She’s experiencing a better quality of life. She can breathe easy knowing her finances are stable. Most importantly, this is not the end for Brenda. It’s a new beginning.

When cardiac patients like Brenda encounter deadly conditions, Mercy Medical Angels gives them the freedom to live.