A New Heart, A New Start: Atlanta Area AKA Chapter Walks to Support One Of Their Own
“A NEW HEART, A NEW START”
On Saturday, October 29, 2011, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Phi Tau Omega Chapter members met early at Turner Field in downtown Atlanta to prepare for the 2011 Metro Atlanta Heart Walk. As a part of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s international health initiative, Phi Tau Omega was excited to participate in this event to increase awareness about organ donations and the disparity of minority donors.
This event was very special to the Phi Tau Omega members because their very own Alpha Kappa Alpha pearl, Soror Eddie Mae Weldon is a heart transplant recipient. President Saletria Cail stated, “I was very touched by all of the family and friends who supported Soror Eddie Mae; as usual her Alpha Kappa Alpha sorors were there to love and cheer her on. I could feel the love and pride from the heart survivors whose families came along to walk the three-mile journey with them. As I walked my one mile, I could on reflect on the fact that through it all, Eddie Mae is a MIRACLE; she has outshined the brightest star and will probably out live all of us. GOD has truly blessed her through this journey! Participating is this walk also made me think of my father who is constantly battling of heart disease. I look forward to walking again next year to support and walk for those who cannot walk for themselves.”
Soror Mae Weldon is a retired educator that started experiencing heart problems in 2002. In July 2009, after years of medication and treatment, Soror Mae and her family was presented with a grim prognosis of impending death. With her heart functioning at less than 20%, she was told that she didn’t qualify for a new heart due to her age and current health condition. With the love of her family and friends and a sheer determination to live, Soror Mae decided that she would explore every avenue possible to get a new heart. After talking with her cardiologist her desire for a new heart, he reluctantly referred her to the Heart Transplant Clinic. It was there that her life changed.
Soror Mae’s journey to a new heart wasn’t easy. She and her family had to take the necessary classes to prepare for transplant surgery in addition to twelve weeks of testing to make sure her body was ready. On February 23, 2010, Soror Mae was officially placed on the heart transplant list as a status two. In May 2010, Soror Mae had a right heart catheter test. This test showed that her heart was functioning at 10-15% and she was admitted to the Critical Care Unit. She remained in the hospital on a breathing machine for a week. On June 8, 2010, a call came into the hospital stating that they had a received a heart that matched Soror Mae. Receiving a new heart has given her a new lease on life! She is able to walk without being out of breath, enjoy her family, friends and Sorors. Soror Mae credits her faith in God for her miracle of life. She is also forever grateful to her donor and their family for this generous gift!
