Seventeen years ago, parents Joan and Creager waited anxiously for their 11-day-old daughter, Leah, to come out of heart transplant surgery at Riley Hospital for Children. Born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, the transplant was Leah’s only chance for survival.
Today, the energetic high school senior is educating the public on the importance of organ donation and transplantation as a volunteer for an Indiana procurement organization. She honors her heart donor by staying healthy as a competitive figure skater and ballroom dancer. Between her visits to Riley Hospital every six weeks for follow-up care, you can catch Leah on the air as a volunteer disk jockey for an internet radio station focused on positive messaging.
Leave a comment to cheer on Leah as she travels to Washington, DC to champion children's health issues.
hi, i dont know if u remeber me but i was the one you meat at Riley hospitalon March,5,2008. and that next day i got the heart. i dont remeber what you told me but thank you u let me feel safe to go trough that . i remeber the time they said you need a transplant or youll die in six to five mounth, i didnt wont to go throughwith it untill i saw how much people cared and loved me but thanks alot for encourgeing me to go through with that.
Love/cynthia!!!
Posted by: cynthia | July 04, 2008 at 07:46 PM
Leah, Wow what an opportunity you have to share your story. I'm sure mom has coached you a lot and you'll do great. You know they say God won't give you more than you can handle so I'm sure he felt you could do this. God's blessings to you and your family this week and always.
Candy Terrell
Posted by: Candy Terrell | June 18, 2008 at 03:09 PM
Great Job, Leah! Best wishes!!
Posted by: Lindsay Morgan, Riley Child Life | June 18, 2008 at 07:39 AM
Leah! This is so cool & you are the perfect person for the job! It is great that you work so hard to make a difference both personally and in the world! I pray that your week will be blessed and that others will feel your strength...
According to my Sunday School lesson Sunday people are either blessings or blisters and you have chosen to be a blessing! Way to go!
Lori
Posted by: Lori Dove | June 17, 2008 at 07:57 PM
Hi Leah,
We are all so proud of you and all of your accomplishments! You are an amazing young lady and a true inspiration! We are so fortunate to have you representing children and their healthcare needs! Best Wishes! Debbie
Posted by: Debbie Murphy | June 17, 2008 at 06:08 PM
Leah, You go girl! Continue to let God's love shine thru' you just like you did in 1st grade S.S. We're praying for you and your mom. John and Linda
Posted by: John and Linda Stafford | June 17, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Leah -
Good luck and tell them what you think! I'm proud of you.
Posted by: Dave M | June 17, 2008 at 08:55 AM
Leah,
I hope you have a fabulous and productive trip to Washington. Just be yourself, and you'll make a difference like you always do! Can't wait to hear about your latest adventures!
Love and prayers,
Marti
Posted by: Marti | June 17, 2008 at 06:39 AM
Leah, Thank you for sharing your story in Washington -- what a great way to impact others! God is definitely working through you, and I'm sure your efforts will make a big difference! We're praying for you and know that you'll be successful!!
Lori Matter & family
Posted by: Lori Matter | June 16, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Leah, we are very proud of you. Look those lawmakers in the eye and tell them what is needed. Earl and Nancy Kruger
Posted by: Earl & Nancy Kruger | June 16, 2008 at 04:16 PM
Leah, you are AMAZING. I am sooooo proud of you! I will be praying for you while in Washington, and will look forward to hearing all about it when you return. :o)
Posted by: Susan Rekeweg | June 16, 2008 at 03:37 PM
Leah, May God continue to lead you on your journey. May He give you and your mom the strength for this trip. Blessings.
Val
Posted by: Val Messmann | June 16, 2008 at 03:30 PM
Leah - Way to go - being an advocate for a cause that you believe in and know first hand. I pray that God will give you the courageous words that you need to help others to understand.
Posted by: Laura Bowser | June 16, 2008 at 03:14 PM
Leah,
We are praying God will use your words and story to impact decision makers to support children's hospitals! You are brave and have great tenacity.
Posted by: Angie Moellering | June 16, 2008 at 08:30 AM
Hey Leah,
Hope you have fun in Washington. Its soo cool that you get to make a difference. Its awesome that you can do this, there's now way i could talk to the senators and congressmen about important issues or anything really lol. Just remember to have fun, cuz "Girls just wanna have fun"!!
love ya,
Atalie
Posted by: Atalie | June 15, 2008 at 03:14 PM
Leah, We are so proud of you and of your service to others. God bless you and keep you safe as you travel to Washington. Keep telling your story -- it's sure to make an impact! Love, Pastor Steve & Terrie
Posted by: Pastor Steve & Terrie | June 14, 2008 at 10:10 PM
What a beautiful young lady.......the Luttmans are proud of your efforts and endeavors....Keep up the good work!
Posted by: annette luttman | June 14, 2008 at 06:30 PM
Hi Leah, You and your mom are going to make a big impact on Washington! I remember seeing you in the workroom at school with your mom and wearing a surgical mask (about K-grdn or so). That's when I first heard your story and I have admired your spunk and attitude ever since. Shine!
Posted by: Laura J | June 14, 2008 at 05:04 PM
Leah
Your mom and I met when we were both your age I think way back when at IU. Although we do not keep in touch a often as we should, I still care about the comings and goings of her and all of her family. (But she didn't tell me about Washington!!!) Good Luck with your trip. Try and see some of Washington if you can. Be safe.
Becky KOman
Posted by: Becky Koman | June 13, 2008 at 06:10 PM
Go get 'em girl!
With strength, hope, determination, and His never ending love!
Posted by: Dawn | June 13, 2008 at 03:11 PM
Go get 'em girl!
With strength, hope, determination, and His never ending love!
Posted by: Dawn | June 13, 2008 at 03:11 PM
Go get 'em girl!
With strength, hope, determination, and His never ending love!
Posted by: Dawn | June 13, 2008 at 03:10 PM
How wonderful that you can go to Washington to present your story at a National level; you go girl! We are so proud of you!
Posted by: Julie | June 13, 2008 at 02:24 PM
Way to go, Leah! We are all so proud of the work you do and the young lady you have become. Keep working to educate people about organ procurement and donation. Perhaps it will allow more people like you to be saved and live a productive life.
Keep serving Him!
Posted by: Lori | June 13, 2008 at 02:04 PM
We are so proud of you! You will do great and you WILL make a difference!
Posted by: Joan | June 13, 2008 at 01:27 PM