When Florine Edwards Peete relocated back to Texas in February 2021, she did so in desperate need of a change. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she lost 15 family members and friends, including her ex-husband, all while facing her own health condition: heart failure.
Because she had lived with advanced congestive heart failure for 19 years, she first sought approval from her doctor to move. Her doctor gave her the go-ahead and referred her to an advanced heart failure cardiologist at Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health.
Florine moved to Plano to live with her adult daughter. Then, at the end of that year, she began having health issues, including tiredness and shortness of breath. When these symptoms progressed in early 2022, it led to hospitalization.
She was put on an advanced heart failure medication regimen by her cardiologist, Timothy Gong, MD, medical director for the Advanced Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathy Program at Baylor University Medical Center. While this approach worked for about a year, Florine was hospitalized again in January 2023 and needed a heart pump implanted.
It was then that Florine would be told the news: She needed a heart transplant.
While many people waiting for transplants experience a long wait for a donor match, just 24 hours later, Florine’s transplant team informed her they had a new heart for her.
“It was a blessing how quickly everything moved to get me a perfect match,” Florine said. She called her adult son and daughter, and they came directly to the hospital to be with her.
“The heart was a gift. I prayed for the donor’s family because even though it was a miracle for me, it was a loss for them.”
Before her surgery, the pilot who transported the heart came to her hospital room to meet her and pray with her. Next thing she knew, she was being rolled into a surgery room.
“I put up two fingers for my children. V for victory. I felt protected by God,” Florine said.
The transplant was a success, and Florine made a quick recovery. She stayed in the intensive care unit for four days and then recovered in the cardiac inpatient unit, where she was able to walk around with no issues and aced her tests.
“Fortunately, she had no significant issues or setbacks—no hospitalizations, no rejections and her rehab went well,” Dr. Gong said.
Florine completed 12 weeks of post-surgery care and physical therapy. Through cardiac rehabilitation, she received exercise training and education to support a healthy heart. But she says even before then, directly after her transplant, she felt more energetic and looked 10 years younger.
“I noticed a total transformation from the way I felt,” she said. “All I could do was move forward and be a good steward of this incredible gift.”
This February, Florine marked three years since receiving her transplant by completing two days of tests, which she ultimately passed. In addition to immunosuppressant medications that she takes every day, Florine sees her primary physician and specialists every three to six months.
“Ms. Peete has been a pleasure to care for,” Dr. Gong said. “I think she’s really enjoying herself. She’s in a good place and making the most out of life.”
Now with a clean bill of health and newfound energy, Florine spends her days enjoying going for walks, playing various board games, and attending church, plays, and jazz and Gospel concerts. She says she loves helping others and sharing her testimony.
Looking back at how her transplant team coordinated all of her care, Florine expresses her gratitude for their professionalism and thoughtfulness.
“They were just super,” Florine said. “When the people caring for you truly care about you, too, it resonates deeply with me.”
If you or a loved one is living with heart failure, find out more about your options through our advanced heart disease and heart transplant programs.
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