Northlanders come together for a benefit for heart transplant recipient
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DULUTH - One Northland family felt lots of love today as their family and friends came together to support one of their own.
Twenty-one-year-old Mara Krysiak has already had two heart transplants, and is headed for her third.
She has Hypertrophic Cardiomyopothy, a heart condition that has spanned three generations of her family.
Mara's mother, Heather Krysiak, also has the disease and received a heart transplant in August 2013.
Heather's mother died from the condition at age 25.
Today, Kom-On-Inn in Duluth was packed with family and friends for a benefit to support her.
About 600 people were expected to attend, but it's estimated that the number was closer to twice that.
"I can't begin to thank everyone as much for everything they've done and everybody that's come," said Mara's mother Heather Krysiak, "she's a very loved little girl."
In November, Mara received a total artificial heart transplant.
It is designed to give her time to gain strength for her coming transplant.
However, last week Mara was hit with a roadblock.
She developed an infection which delayed her for her next transplant.
Luckily, she is on the road to recovery.
"It's gonna be a really, really long uphill battle, but she can do it," Krysiak said.
Once the infection is completely gone, Mara will be put on a list to receive heart and kidney transplants.
Heather Krysiak said there can never be enough promotion of organ donations because they give people a second chance at life, just like she received.
Donations can be made on Mara's You Caring page, or to "Team Mara" at any Superior Choice Credit Union.
