Stephanie Weems

Stephanie Weems

Transplant Type:   Heart

What if you were living on borrowed time?    

Stephanie Weems is fighting for her life. She was diagnosed with idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS) when she was only eight years old and had her first of five defibrillators implanted by the time she was sixteen. Unfortunately, IHSS runs in her family and both her father and brother suffer from the illness as well. Over the years, Stephanie’s condition has continued to worsen.  She now suffers from congestive heart failure, and doctors say a heart transplant is critical to her survival. 

This has been an extremely challenging time for Stephanie, her husband, Tristan, their family, and friends. She wishes they did not need to be so concerned about her health but is grateful for their love and support. Stephanie has been disabled by her heart condition for the past thirty-three years.  She has had her life limited since she was ten years old and dreams of being active and living every day without pain. Stephanie would love to be healthy enough to take a family vacation and be able to keep up with everyone. More than anything, she simply wants to lead a normal, healthy life. But right now, she needs your help.

Unfortunately, Stephanie’s hope for a new life comes at a very high price.

The average heart transplant costs more than $1 million. And that is only the beginning. Even with health insurance, which will cover a portion of the transplant cost, she still faces significant medical expenses related to the surgery. She will need a lifetime of follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. These medications are very costly, and they are as important to her survival as the transplant itself. 

Stephanie must travel more than 200 miles to reach her transplant center for evaluations and doctors’ appointments. When she receives her transplant, Stephanie and Tristan will need to stay near the hospital during recovery, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food, and lodging, adding to the financial strain.

You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to the National Foundation for Transplants in honor of Stephanie.  

If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the National Foundation for Transplants, 3249 W. Sarazen’s Circle, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38125.  Please be sure to write "in honor of Stephanie Weems” in the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity! 

Transplant Center:   University of Alabama Hospital

If you have any questions about The National Foundation for Transplants, feel free to contact the staff at 800-489-3863.