Around 7 p.m. on Feb. 20, a Norton mom of three got a call that would change her life. Jackie (Arvay) Koncz, who was on a heart transplant list from a hospital mishap in 2023, got the phone call she’d been hoping and praying for: the “perfect heart” was ready for her at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Tennessee.
Jackie and her mom previously arranged a private flight, as they live more than six hours from the hospital and needed to get there by 1 a.m. While Jackie and her mom flew down, their husbands drove down to meet them.
The road to recovery will be months-long for Jackie so her family could use all the continued prayers and positive vibes.
While Jackie’s family is so very grateful to the donor, they recognize the grief this causes the donor’s family. “Prayers to the family and friends of the young person who lost their life to help save someone we all love. Such a blessing and forever grateful,” Jackie’s sister-in-law said.
“Words can’t express my feelings to the doctors and nurses who gave my daughter this gift of life,” said Jackie’s dad, Marty. “I want to also express from my heartfelt thank you to all the nurses and doctors at Akron City Hospital and University Hospital in Cleveland who made this day possible. Finally, please pray for the person and family who gave this amazing gift of life. Although I don’t know who you are, you’ll always be in my thoughts and prayers.”
On the morning of Feb. 22, Jackie was able to squeeze her husband Drew’s hand and answer some questions appropriately. Doctors said her vital signs look good so far.
“Time will tell, but (we are) heading in the right direction,” her sister-in-law wrote on her CaringBridge website.
Next Jackie had physical and occupational therapy. She was able to stand up and be helped to her chair.
More positive reports came from the family on Sunday. When the surgeon visited Jackie, he said “her new found heart is working excellent!” She will continue to have highs and lows, which is, unfortunately, normal.Jackie is being reminded of the love and outpouring of positive vibes, comments, and well wishes.
“All the support is amazing,” said Jackie’s mom, Nancy. “Thank you from all of us!”
We are praying with so much hope for you and your family, Jackie! We hope to only read about more positive updates!
—– ORIGINAL STORY —–
It was Nov. 2, 2023 when Jackie (Arvay) Koncz, of Norton, felt chest pain, arm pain and just didn’t feel right. EMT’s were called and the young mom of three was taken to Barberton Hospital for further evaluation. Following tests, doctors said a heart catheter would be the best option to help rule out any further underlying heart issues or concerns.
It was a Friday that the routine heart catheter procedure began, but it went terribly wrong. The left side of Jackie’s heart was damaged during the initial heart catheterization, with a tear to a major artery. The tear couldn’t be stopped and a stent was attempted, but there was too much blood loss and damage that the stent was unsuccessful.
Jackie was then life-flighted to Summa-Akron City Hospital that afternoon where she underwent a 4.5 hour open heart surgery for a double bypass.
Fast forward to Dec. 21, 2023 and Jackie was still hospitalized, fighting with all her heart for her life. Referrals, second opinions, testing procedures….and then another setback: Test results. Despite all other tests coming back normal, one major one did not. It showed Jackie didn’t qualify for a heart transplant in Cleveland due to her antibodies being too high. The high number of antibodies would fight the new heart as a foreign object, making her too high risk for the centers in Ohio.
The family researched different hospitals that could help Jackie receive a heart transplant with the high antibodies, narrowing it down to a pair of out-of-state options. If her case was accepted, it would mean Jackie would need to live near the out-of-state transplant center for months so she could be monitored closely. A committee would have to review her case and be comfortable taking it on.
“Let me start off by saying how incredibly thankful I am for everyone who supported me and my family since this crazy journey began. Thank you for all of the donations, dinners, gift cards, words of encouragement, positivity, and most importantly prayers…whether you’re family, close friends, distant friends or even those who I have never met,” Jackie wrote in her online update on CaringBridge.
“It has almost been exactly one-year since I got discharged from a nearly three-month stay in the hospital. I completed cardiac rehab and graduated in June! I am now able to exercise on my own to support my heart and to improve my strength and endurance. As of now, I am medically unable to return to work. I have been putting forth my time and energy towards my family. Believe me… I have been soaking up every precious second with those I love.”
University Hospitals helped connect Jackie to both NYU Langone in New York City and Vanderbilt in Nashville, as she can be listed for heart transplantation at two different hospitals.
“In September, (my husband) and I went to Manhattan and met with the heart transplant team, surgeon and a plethora of doctors. Another 37 vials of blood later, NYU completed the evaluation process and accepted me for presentation to the transplant board. After several more tests requested by NYU, they are reviewing my case for transplant as we speak!”
In January, Jackie and her husband visited Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, where they met the team and doctors.
“As most other hospitals were telling me it could be years before I receive a heart, I was surprised by hearing that my LVAD “baby” may be evicted in weeks to months time! As of two weeks ago, Vanderbilt presented me to the transplant committee, and I have been APPROVED for listing! Still waiting on the official letter, but I hope to receive that soon. After meeting with both transplant teams, I feel excited and hopeful for 2025!” Jackie said.
In the meantime, the family has booked air ambulance transportation that will fly Jackie down to Nashville or NYC when she gets “the call.” Since they live more than four hours away from either hospital, air ambulance is required to get her there as quickly as possible.
After the heart transplant, the plan is for Jackie to stay in the hospital for a few weeks to a month, pending no complications. Upon discharge, Jackie will need to stay within an hour of the hospital for up to six months.
“During post-transplant care, I will have to have 24-hour caregivers by my side at all times,” Jackie explained. “We are hopeful to find a location near the hospital that will be a fun place for the kids to come and visit their momma.”
Family and friends of Jackie’s have created a pair of fundraisers to help them with air transportation costs, travel for her family and temporary home costs to live near the hospital. If you feel moved to help make a difference in Jackie’s life, you can purchase a shirt, sign up to attend Jackie’s Forever Heart fundraiser raffle dinner on March 8 (adults only), or make a donation to her family via Venmo (@andrew-koncz13) or Zelle (Andrew Koncz).
Wadsworth Community Radio is hopeful for that call soon, Jackie, and for many heart-healthy years ahead with your family!
