One year later, Candice and her new heart are still going strong
The Herald caught up with a woman still going strong more than a year after heart transplant.
Every beat of 35-year-old Candice Eno’s heart is one she doesn’t take for granted.
In October 2015, the Herald reported on Candice, who was in desperate need of a heart transplant. At that time she had been waiting for a donor heart for more than 18 months.
Candice was born with a heart condition called Ebstein’s anomaly, which is an abnormality in the tricuspid valve of the heart. She told us that her condition is very rare and only four or five people in South Africa suffer from it. At the age of 15 she had open heart surgery, but the surgery was not successful.
In April 2016, Candice received the call that changed her life forever and shortly after, she underwent a 12-hour long surgery during which she received a new heart.
Before I got this heart, I had lost most of my senses – my hearing, and my sense of smell, taste and touch,” said Candice.
Today Candice drives her own car and lives her life to the fullest, telling her story and creating awareness for the Organ Donor Foundation. She wants to give back by spreading the word about organ donation. She also recently received her one-year trophy and is very proud to showcase it to the world.
She told the Herald that only three people in R’tein have received heart transplants, and she’s the youngest. There are approximately 50 people in South Africa currently on the waiting list for a new heart, and over 4 000 people waiting for other life-saving organs.
According to the Organ Donor Foundation, one organ donor could help up to 50 people by donating corneas, skin, bone and heart valves. There is no cost involved when signing up to be a donor and also no financial gain. However, knowing that you will give someone else the gift of life is a reward no money can buy.
“In South Africa we have a serious shortage of donors. Your heart, liver and pancreas can save three lives and your kidneys and lungs can help up to four people. Donors can also choose which organs they would like to donate and do not have to donate all of their organs,” said Candice.
Candice’s mission is to create awareness about organ donation and inform people about the ultimate gift, life.
“For privacy and legislative reasons, donors and recipients are not identified. You can however send a letter to your donor’s family to thank them,” said Candice.
Some questions regarding organ donation:
• Who can be an organ/ tissue donor?
Any person who is in good health and is clear of defined chronic diseases that might adversely affect the recipient will be considered as a possible donor.
• How can you become a potential donor?
Register online at www.odf.org.za or call the Organ Donor Foundation’s toll-free line 0800 22 66 11.
• Are you allowed to change your mind?
You can change your mind at any time. Inform your family and friends.
• How do doctors know I am really dead?
Two doctors, who are completely independent of the transplant team have to perform detailed tests before a person can be declared brain dead.
Organ donations are completely free of charge. Donate life, give thanks, and give life.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za  (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
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