“My family went through a five-year journey where my husband, Kevin, went from being very healthy to seriously ill,” shared Lori Sheldon from Sioux Falls.
Kevin was diagnosed with cardiac sarcoidosis—a rare inflammatory condition resulting in heart injury and an abnormal rhythm.
While at a doctor’s appointment, Kevin was told he required a heart transplant, which Lori says she couldn’t believe.
“I was in denial for some time,” she added. “I didn’t know anyone who had gone through a heart transplant before.”
During this emotional time, Lori experienced an epiphany about writing a book directed toward helping those who have experienced uncertainty during a medical crisis.
“I wrote and published Change of Heart: Learning to Trust the Wait During My Husband’s Heart Transplant Journey with the hope of helping others,” Lori explained.
With her willingness, honesty, and transparency throughout her story, Change of Heart has become relatable to many readers.
“It sheds light on the weight caregiving puts on a family,” said Lori. “While my story is about a heart transplant, the connection can be made to anyone going through a medical journey that seems scary and uncertain.”
Lori shares with 605 some background on her book, her writing process, and how her husband is doing today.
1. WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF WORKING ON CHANGE OF HEART?
It was the ability to look back on our story and discover the many ways God provided for us. I often cried while writing, because the emotions I buried during this experience rose to the surface. It turned out to be an amazing tool for processing my leftover fears and worries.
2. HOW IS YOUR HUSBAND DOING TODAY?
Today, Kevin is healthy and doing great. He has always been a gym rat, and his transplant allowed him to get right back in the gym. He has returned to the job he loves, and spends his weekends in the garden, riding his bike, or fishing.
3. WHAT DID THE WRITING PROCESS LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
I had the opportunity to work with a writing coach who understood my desire to be authentic and to be the writer of my own story. His suggestions often encouraged me to dig deeper and share more emotion with the reader. I was pushed to let the reader in on more of what my family was thinking and experiencing.
4. WHERE CAN READERS PURCHASE CHANGE OF HEART?
My book is available in all formats on Amazon, and physical copies are available at Dunn Brothers Coffee’s east side location, Zandbroz Variety, and Crossroads Book & Music in Sioux Falls.
5. WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR THIS YEAR?
When I hear from families who have made the difficult decision to donate a loved one’s organs, it means so much to me. Organ transplants are an indescribable gift, and I hope to one day meet the family of our heart donor and tell them about the beautiful life my husband has enjoyed because of their decision.
