Gracyn’s Gift: From Advanced Heart Failure to Heart Transplant Survivor

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Story Summary

Three kids — Ella, Jaxten and Atley — race around the house, the front yard and the park, keeping Gracyn and her husband Nathan busy. Whether it’s doing schoolwork, throwing footballs, riding bikes, turning cartwheels or chalk drawing on the front walk, it’s a wonder Gracyn has any time to study for nursing school.

She wouldn’t have it any other way.

“My kids are my life,” Gracyn said. “They are my everything, my purpose. Being a mom was always my top priority. Then this new life came along, and I figured out that I needed something for Gracyn, too. My purpose is to help others and be the best mom I can be.”

In 2020, while she was pregnant, Gracyn had a surprising conversation with her mom. A genetic test showed that Gracyn’s mom had a rare genetic mutation that can be passed down. This mutation can cause heart problems, including heart failure.

Please contact us with any questions or issues.

Kent Faddis
Video Production Manager
MU Health Care
Office: 573-884-0532
Cell: 573-823-9499 
faddisk@health.missouri.edu