Just a month and a half ago, Elena Báez underwent the second major surgery, which went better than the first heart transplant, which required two months in the ICU. Her condition is a genetic disease affecting both the heart and the kidneys.
“"Now that I feel well, I see how bad I was. I'm even starting to run."
The first symptoms of her condition appeared at 3 years old with painful spasms. Subsequently, at 7 years and 18 years, she suffered complications due to magnesium and potassium loss, leading to a significant cardiovascular risk. The gene was not detected until 2021.
The need for a new heart arose in 2023. The kidney transplant was made possible through a cross-donation chain, where her husband was a donor, although the organ was incompatible, enabling a chain of altruism that, she claims, saved the lives of four or five other people.
“"I feel infinite gratitude for my two donors and their families, so much so that even 'thank you' is a word that falls short of describing what they managed to do."
