News

Megan Edney, with a new heart, is coming home

By Bill Moss, Published: July 2, 2018

Just three weeks after her successful heart transplant, Megan Edney is coming home.

Megan, the 14-year-old daughter of Michael and Lisa Mazzeo Edney, was rushed to Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte on May 30 when tests showed she was suffering from heart failure. Since then, Megan and her family have been through a whirlwind of tests, treatment and her successful heart transplant operation, on June 12.

"I think a miracle is the best word for it," Edney said. "It's truly amazing what she’s come through and how quick everything happened."

Her release to come home happened faster than anyone expected, too.

"They did the catherization and biopsy yesterday and everything came out perfect," he said. "We have to come back once a week for who knows how long."

After tests showed that Megan's body was accepting her new heart, physicians cleared her to go home.

"They said she’s bouncing back and can do everything she needs in rehab" at home in Hendersonville. "They’ll do some physical therapy, rehab therapy at home. A physical therapist, occupational therapist and speech therapist all will be coming to see her." Having a tube down her throat for weeks affected her vocal chords. "She still whispers," her father said.

"She can’t be in public," he said. "Anybody around her is going to have to wear a mask."

Asked what Megan most looked forward to, he said, "Sleep, without being interrupted."

Edney said he had come home slept in his own bed just three times since May 30. Lisa has never left Megan's side.

Edney, an attorney and chair of the Henderson County Board of Commissioners, said fellow lawyers and courthouse officials, county commissioners and administrators had all been supportive.

"We're just blessed to be in a small town where everybody gets along and helps everybody else," he said. "The bar has actually helped financially. Somehow I need to publicly express my gratitude to the bar for pitching in and helping out in so many different ways. Everybody cooperated. Judges, the district attorney's office — everybody has been behind us 100 percent." He's talked frequently with County Manager Steve Waytt and his fellow commissioners to keep up with issues.

"I’m staying in touch with them and they've been extremely supportive," he said. The family also wanted to express "just our continued thanks to the whole community for their prayers and support."

Megan is now featured on the Children's Organ Transplant Association website, https://cota.org/, which raises money for hundreds of patients. Her goal is listed on the website at $60,000.

"We are in the midst of doing all the things we have to do to get out of here this afternoon," he said. "So we'll be home some time tonight."