For nearly three decades, Kelly Perkins’ donor heart carried her up mountains, across continents, and through countless adventures. As a heart transplant recipient, she climbed some of the world’s most iconic peaks, including Half Dome and Kilimanjaro, as living proof of what organ donation makes possible.
In the fall of 2024, while hiking a familiar trail in Yosemite, something changed. The woman known for her boundless energy and optimism suddenly felt weak and short of breath. What seemed like altitude sickness was the first sign that her donor heart, the one that had sustained her for nearly 30 years, was beginning to fail.
When Strength Meets Challenge
Over the next several months, Kelly noticed her stamina fading. Hikes became shorter, and even climbing the stairs at home left her breathless. After multiple hospital visits, doctors confirmed the news no transplant recipient wants to hear: she would need another heart transplant.
By August, Kelly was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Her heart was now supported by continuous IV medication, and she could not leave the hospital until a new donor was found.
Still, Kelly refused to stay still. Every day, she walked laps around the nurses’ station, pushing her IV pole like a climbing partner on the world’s toughest ascent. Her husband, Craig, turned her hospital room into a small office and support base. Even their dog, Closer, joined the team for a while, bringing love and laughter until infection risks became too high.
Waiting with Hope
The weeks that followed were filled with emotional highs and lows. Kelly faced procedures, medication changes, and the uncertainty of waiting. Yet through it all, she held onto her faith that another donor hero would soon give her a second chance at life.
That moment arrived on October 9, 2024. The phone rang with the call every patient on the transplant list dreams of hearing: a donor heart was available.
A Gift Beyond Measure
On October 10, Kelly was prepared for surgery. As she was wheeled into the operating room, she whispered words of gratitude to both her first and future donors, two strangers whose courage in moments of loss gave her life. Hours later, Craig received the message they had been praying for: the new heart was in, and it was beating strong.
Her recovery amazed everyone. Within five hours, Kelly was sitting up and talking. Within two days, she was walking the hospital hallways again. Less than two weeks later, she was home in Laguna Beach, taking a 45-minute walk around Dana Point Harbor and soon hiking the coastal trails that once left her breathless.
Living Proof of What Donation Makes Possible
Today, Kelly continues to heal and thrive. Her journey is not only about survival but also about honoring the selfless donors who made her life possible. With every step, she carries their legacies forward, reminding us all that organ donation is not about loss but about life renewed.
Kelly’s story captures the spirit of the Moving Hearts Foundation: to inspire hope, raise awareness, and build a movement that saves lives. It is proof that one decision, to register as an organ, tissue, or blood donor, can transform countless futures.
How You Can Help Continue the Climb
Kelly’s second transplant journey is a powerful reminder that donation is a movement, not just a cause. You can honor her story and help others waiting for their second chance at life by taking these actions:
- Register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor at Moving Hearts Foundation
- Donate blood through the American Red Cross
- Support the Moving Hearts Foundation with a tax-deductible contribution
- Book Kelly and Craig to speak at your event to inspire others with their story
Every registration, every pint of blood, and every act of generosity moves this mission forward. Together, we can climb higher for the patients waiting, for the families hoping, and for the donors who make every heartbeat possible.
Evance Kalula
As a fortunate recipient of a new heart fourteen (14) years ago, I salute the miracle workers and organ donors, I wish Kelly well on this, her second journey, it is indeed a powerful reminder, God bless! I will double my efforts to support the Organ Donor Foundation (ODF) of South Africa in their remarkable work!
Craig Perkins
Thank you Evance. And congratulations on your 14 years (and counting) as a heart recipient!