CRESTVIEW — Two years ago, the community rallied to raise funds for a 17-year-old diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension.
This type of high blood pressure can affect the lungs’ and heart’s arteries, making blood harder to flow, resulting in heart weakening and possible failure, according to the Mayo Clinic’s website.
Today, Anna Hutcheson, now 19, is recovering from a heart and double-lung transplant. Doctors at University of Florida Health Shands Hospital recommended the procedures to save her life.
The surgeries took place Sept. 11 at the Gainesville hospital. Hutcheson can expect a three- to six-month stay in the transplant unit there as she recovers.
The Children’s Organ Transplant Association, a national charity that organizes and guides communities in raising funds for transplant-related expenses, made the surgery possible.
So, how is Hutcheson now?
“Anna’s heart is doing exceptionally well at this time; her lungs are doing as expected at this point in the recovery,” Jessica Nance, a public relations coordinator with COTA, said. “Anna is able to sit up; she has many milestones ahead of her.”
In the meantime, prayers — and financial support — are appreciated, Nance said.
Hutcheson’s COTA website raised $43,106 of a $70,000 goal. You can donate at http://www.cotaforteamannahutch.com/
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview woman recovering from heart, double lung transplant