Heart Recipient – Andrea Ogg

We are proud to recognize and celebrate the remarkable success stories that emerge from our vital mission. Among the countless tales, we are honored to highlight an inspiring story of an individual who directly embodies what we mean when we say “Rocky Mountain Strong.” Andrea Ogg of Sedalia was faced with physical challenges and setbacks her whole life because of a heart condition she didn’t know she had until she was in her mid-30s. By the time she was in her 50s, she struggled to even walk across her living room without stopping to take a breath. She was on a defibrillator and in end-stage heart failure.

Because of the generous gift of a donor, Andrea received a heart transplant that allowed her to make up for lost time. She made a promise to her donor and “their” heart to do all the things that had felt out of reach for so long. Andrea went from the inability to walk across her house, to hiking more than 500 miles in the high country of the Rocky Mountains. She also was able to sing and dance on stage in musicals. In 2023, Andrea crossed the finish line of the world’s highest half-marathon wearing a sign to honor her donor for her five-year-”heart-aversary.”

Andrea’s dedication to sharing her story and raising awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation has been profound, inspiring others to embrace life’s challenges with courage and determination.