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Katelyn’s Story: Thriving After Two Heart Transplants

October 24, 2025

At 22, Katelyn LaConte was set to graduate from nursing school but had been feeling run down, short of breath and experiencing abdominal and chest pain. During gallbladder surgery, doctors discovered her heart was functioning at just 10 percent—she needed a life-saving transplant. She was quickly transferred to Tufts Medical Center’s Cardiac Care Unit to await a heart transplant.

Katelyn’s Story: Thriving After Two Heart Transplants

Her first transplant was successful, and for 10 years, Katelyn thrived—launching a career in patient advocacy and staying active. But after a decade, she was diagnosed with chronic rejection and needed a second transplant. Once again, Tufts Medical Center provided not only expert care but also emotional support for her and her family during a frightening time.

In August of 2022, Katelyn received her second heart transplant, supported by much of the same clinical team she had in 2011. Today, she’s doing well and is proud to support Tufts Medical Center through generous philanthropic gifts. Katelyn wants to make sure every patient has access to that same compassionate care.

Thanks to donors like Katelyn, Tufts Medical Center continues to deliver world-class care, comfort and hope when it matters most.

In 2024, Tufts Medical Center performed 71 heart transplants—the most of any hospital in New England—breaking our own record from the previous year. This milestone highlights Tufts Medical Center’s leadership in advanced heart care and our unwavering commitment to patients and families.

Learn more about giving to Tufts Medical Center

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