NINE years ago, Linda Pigram was on the brink of death.
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A heriditary heart condition that had killed her mother and two siblings young was taking its toll.
Mrs Pigram had suffered a stroke in 2003 and her heart had an irregular rhythm with failing valves.
“I was very sick, very sick,” she said.
“I was laying in bed and I couldn’t even turn over, that’s how bad it was.
“When I was up and about, I couldn't walk more than 100 feet.”
Mrs Pigram was barely conscious when her doctor said a heart transplant was the only option.
Three weeks later, the major operation was completed, transforming Mrs Pigram’s life.
Before the transplant, Mrs Pigram thought she was lucky to see her only son Mark turn 18.
Fast-forward to today, and thanks to the transplant Mrs Pigram has seen her son marry and have children.
Her second grandchild, Calvin James, was born 10 days ago.
Fortunately, the hereditary condition, known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, has not been passed onto to her son and his children.
The heart transplant now means Mrs Pigram is able work on their family farm, and monthly visits to her specialist in Sydney have whittled down to only once a year.
“Living on the land, I would always work but I would get very tired, and I couldn’t do much,” she said.
“But since I have had my heart I’m much stronger now.”
Mrs Pigram said she becomes emotional thinking of the donor that died and gave her the heart.
While the donor remains anonymous, Mrs Pigram said she knows they were young, and so probably died suddenly.
“Everyday is a blessing that I received an organ from the donor and their family,” she said.
“Not a day goes past that I don’t remember them.”
The heart has given Mrs Pigram a new lease on life.
“I just love the day,” she said.
“I get up, and I walk out and feed the calf and go do the dogs and just look around. I hear the birds singing, and I think ‘I am so lucky to be alive’, it’s just beautiful.”
Mrs Pigram is sharing her story for Donate Life Week and encourages people to register on a national register. More information go to donatelife.gov.au.