Heartfelt Gratitude – Update on Alyssa Sandeen’s Heart Transplant
Update from heart transplant recipient Alyssa Sandeen’s family:
Alyssa Sandeen, 23, of Mankato, Minn., who received her second heart transplant on Thursday, June 27, is doing well, according to her father, Chris, and her surgeon, Richard Daly, M.D. Alyssa remains in the intensive care unit at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., which Dr. Daly says is to be expected at this point in her recovery.
This is Alyssa’s second heart transplant. She received her first heart transplant when she was 8 years old, and at age 19 she received a kidney from her mother, Lisa.
Dr. Daly and Alyssa’s parents continue to express gratitude to the family of Alyssa’s donor. Chris Sandeen says, “Without organ donors Alyssa wouldn't be here. We are so grateful.”
People across the world have been following Alyssa’s story on her Facebook page, Alyssa Sandeen Is A Blessing. Her family will update followers on the page, as well as Alyssa’s CaringBridge page.
Journalist Note: The Sandeen family is working with Mayo Clinic to release periodic updates. Sound bites with Chris Sandeen and Dr. Daly are available in the downloads.