LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Over 100,000 people are waiting for lifesaving organ transplants. 

Approximately 60% of those patients are minorities according to Donate Life America.  

Transplant recipients have a greater chance of long-term survival when matched with donors of the same racial or ethnic background. 

Monica Brown hits the ground running every morning.  

“It brings peace and calmness and it clears my mind,” says Brown. 

The former marathon runner is taking things one step at a time. 

“Rebuilding myself, rebuilding my confidence. Keeping in mind that I was running when I had my heart attack,” says Brown 

That was in 2016. She ended up in the hospital after experiencing muscle spasm like pains after a workout. 

“After five minutes it didn’t pass and so I knew what was happening. I was having a heart attack,” says Brown.  

Two days later, she had another heart attack while being discharged. That led to heart failure and news that she needed a new heart. 

“Doctors told me that there was nothing else for them to do for me,” says Brown. 

Brown’s luck had not run out. Six months later, a perfect match was found and a hospital that would perform the operation. 

“They knew the complications that might come. Everything that they said could happen, happened with my transplant,” says Brown. “However here we are I haven’t had any rejection.” 

She uses her second chance at life as a platform to encourage others, especially Black people, to get registered as organ donors. 

“We are high on the list for waiting for a lifesaving organ but we’re low on the list of those registered,” says Brown. 

Her new heart confirmed the purpose of her job of building up the Shawnee neighborhood. 

“I’m excited to be able to work in the Black community to dispel myths about organ donation and the process of that and what we can do when we say yes to getting registered,” says Brown.  

She thanks her donor family for what she calls the greatest gift of love. 

Her youngest grandchild, 6-year-old Aleyah also known as Sugar Pie, was born while she was hospitalized. 

“I couldn’t hold her,” says Brown. “I didn’t have the strength. I was weak,” says Brown. 

Her new heart allowed the chance to watch her grow. 

“My time with her just has been really really amazing, and she’s one of many that make my life beautiful,” says Brown. 

Her two sons and other grandchildren keep her full of life, happy, and running. 

Donate Life America says one donor can save and heal more than 75 lives. 

For more information about the national donate life registry, just click here.