The spirit of Christmas shines brighter this year for Meredith Everhart, a 39-year-old social worker, who received the gift of life – a new heart. Her journey mirrors that of her older sister, Abbey Cannon, 46, who underwent a heart transplant seven years prior, both at the age of 38. Their shared experience has forged an unbreakable bond and instilled a profound appreciation for life and family, especially during the holidays. This Christmas, their hearts beat in unison, a testament to the power of resilience, sisterhood, and the miracle of organ donation.
A Family History Unfolds: From Chest Pains to a Life-Altering Diagnosis
Abbey Cannon’s journey began in 2012 with alarming chest pains and rapid heartbeats. Initially dismissed as a minor ailment, her symptoms escalated to numbness and tingling in her left arm. A frantic phone call with her younger sister, Meredith Everhart, led to an emergency room visit, revealing a startling truth: Abbey had suffered a heart attack. Further investigations ruled out blocked arteries but unveiled a more insidious culprit – hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
HCM, a genetic heart disease affecting 1 in 500 people, is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young individuals and athletes. Although Abbey’s initial diagnosis brought a sense of relief, it soon became clear that HCM was a formidable adversary. The news reverberated through the family, prompting screenings for her parents and siblings, all of whom tested negative. However, for Meredith, the youngest sister, Abbey’s diagnosis resonated with a chilling familiarity.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(759×236:761×238)/Abbey-Cannon-Meredith-Everhart-selfie-and-today-122024-1c47f423a40f45b5a1532ce20252db7e.jpg)
Echoes of Symptoms: Meredith’s Path to a Parallel Diagnosis
Years earlier, at 19, Meredith experienced chest pains that led to an ER visit and a preliminary diagnosis of mild HCM. However, a follow-up consultation resulted in a dismissal of her concerns as “unspecified chest pain.” As Abbey battled HCM, Meredith’s symptoms resurfaced, but she initially downplayed them, unwilling to confront the possibility of facing the same life-threatening condition as her sister. Despite experiencing increasing fatigue and shortness of breath, Meredith continued to ignore the warning signs.
Abbey’s declining health necessitated a move back to their parents’ home in Roselle, Illinois, in 2016. The sisters rallied together, providing support and care as Abbey prepared for a heart transplant. Meredith witnessed firsthand the arduous process, the emotional toll, and the unwavering hope that accompanied her sister’s journey.
A Transplant and a Turning Point: Abbey’s New Beginning and Meredith’s Wake-Up Call
In February 2017, Abbey received her life-saving heart transplant. Meredith remained steadfast by her side, helping care for Abbey’s young children while her husband worked. Abbey’s remarkable recovery inspired them both. Months later, during a cardio hip hop class, Meredith’s own heart condition became glaringly apparent. Unable to keep up, she collapsed, overwhelmed by exhaustion and fear. This pivotal moment shattered Meredith’s denial. Subsequent tests confirmed she too had HCM. Dr. Esther Vorovich, their cardiologist at Northwestern Medicine Blum Cardiovascular Institute, explains that HCM’s genetic nature can manifest differently within families, highlighting the importance of vigilant monitoring and individualized treatment.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(773×230:775×232)/Abbey-Cannon-Meredith-Everhart-hospital-pics-together-posed-122024-02e628f041c244fcbd04ad35c2ae0d59.jpg)
From Denial to Acceptance: Meredith’s Journey to Transplantation
Meredith’s journey from diagnosis to transplant mirrored her sister’s experience, but with the added benefit of Abbey’s guidance and unwavering support. A shared vacation in Michigan in May 2022 brought an unexpected turn. Abbey contracted COVID-19, and Meredith, while caring for her sister, fell ill herself. While Abbey recovered, Meredith’s health continued to deteriorate. Initially attributed to asthma or long COVID, her symptoms were eventually recognized as heart failure. In December 2022, she began the rigorous evaluation process for a heart transplant, culminating in her placement on the transplant list in May 2023.
The long-awaited call arrived on January 29, 2024. A suitable heart was available. Abbey, now a seasoned veteran of the transplant journey, drove Meredith to the hospital, providing comfort and reassurance drawn from her own experience. Dr. Vorovich emphasizes the profound impact of their sisterly bond, noting the unique comfort and understanding that comes from witnessing and experiencing the same life-altering event.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(728×241:730×243)/Abbey-Cannon-Meredith-Everhart-hospital-pics-1posed-122024-3b9f0bb1ecef437683dcfa0abd42209b.jpg)
A Christmas Miracle: Gratitude, Advocacy, and the Gift of Life
This Christmas, both sisters celebrate not only the holiday season but the gift of life itself. Their shared ordeal has deepened their already strong bond, transforming their family and inspiring them to advocate for organ donation. Meredith is currently composing a heartfelt letter to her donor’s family, expressing profound gratitude and ensuring them that their loved one’s heart continues to beat with purpose and love. The sisters’ story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of organ donation and a poignant reminder of the preciousness of life. Their message is clear: register to become an organ donor and give the gift of life this holiday season and beyond.
