The Things We Take For Granted: The Life Story of a Heart Transplant Patient

by Mike Alexander

The Life Story of Katie Hurst TeagueBringing up two sons on a tight budget while serving as a carer for a sick husband would be tough for many people. Now imagine doing that after several open-heart surgeries, whilst being treated for epilepsy and skin cancer and after having undergone a heart transplant. Some people choose to lead extraordinary lives. Others are born into them. Katie Hurst Teague is on the verge of becoming one the longest-living heart transplant recipient in the world. Born with a congenital heart condition, Katie has suffered from severe health problems all her life. Though this book details her harsh medical history it is not a book about heart surgery, suffering or surviving against all odds. Instead, this is a book about hope. A book that celebrates survival and forces readers to recognize that we are all blessed if we simply train ourselves to see what we have and take our eyes off of the small everyday problems that we allow to blinker our vision. Katie’s life has been blighted by one health problem after another, yet she still laughs and smiles more than most people I have met. It is her ability to see the silver lining when all about her is one dark cloud that makes this lady’s life story so unique. Despite numerous prognoses predicting her imminent demise, Katie has not only survived, but she has also thrived. In the face of stringent medical advice, she has had two healthy sons and is now the primary carer for her husband who suffers from painful and debilitating health conditions of his own. If you are battling with a severe health issue or find that you have simply lost the ability to move forward because you no longer recognize how much you have to be grateful for, then perhaps this is a book you should be reading.

187 pages, Paperback

Published January 23, 2020

Reviews

[Tiffany]

As a heart patient currently working with a transplant team after suffering with heart failure for 16 year this was a timely and great story. Even for family members or those with other chronic health problems. Thank you for sharing your story.

[Leah]

Very good. I highly recommend.

[debra hoffman]

Excellent read

Katie's unwavering faith & honesty is inspirational to all who read this book. Thank you Katie for sharing your journey.