From foster care to heart transplant, Medford woman overcomes the odds

31-year-old patient gains new perspective after beating unexpected health crisis

By Franny White November 16, 2021 Portland, Oregon

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Heart transplant patient Vanessa Trotter

Vanessa Trotter, 31, of Medford, underwent a heart transplant May 17, 2021, at Oregon Health & Science University after suddenly beginning to go into heart failure during the summer of 2020. Trotter is pictured here with her partner, Michael Maxson, in August 2021 in Portland, shortly before she was cleared to move home to Medford. (OHSU/Josh Andersen)

Heart transplant patient Vanessa Trotter

Heart transplant patient Vanessa Trotter 4

Vanessa Trotter, 31, of Medford, underwent a heart transplant May 17, 2021, at Oregon Health & Science University after suddenly beginning to go into heart failure during the summer of 2020. This undated selfie shows Trotter long before heart failure was on her radar. (Courtesy of Vanessa Trotter)

Heart transplant patient Vanessa Trotter

Vanessa Trotter, 31, of Medford, underwent a heart transplant May 17, 2021, at Oregon Health & Science University after suddenly beginning to go into heart failure during the summer of 2020. This undated photo shows Trotter with her partner, Michael Maxson, before heart failure was on their radar. (Courtesy of Vanessa Trotter)

Heart transplant patient Vanessa Trotter

Vanessa Trotter, 31, of Medford, underwent a heart transplant May 17, 2021, at Oregon Health & Science University after suddenly beginning to go into heart failure during the summer of 2020. This undated photo shows Trotter with her partner,Michael Maxson, before heart failure was on their radar. (Courtesy of Vanessa Trotter)

Heart transplant patient Vanessa Trotter

Vanessa Trotter, 31, of Medford, underwent a heart transplant May 17, 2021, at Oregon Health & Science University after suddenly beginning to go into heart failure during the summer of 2020. Trotter is pictured here in August 2021 in Portland, shortly before she was cleared to move home to Medford. (OHSU/Josh Andersen)

Organ Transplants in the U.S. (OHSU)