EP 96: "Second Chances: A Teen's Journey from Cardiac Arrest to a New Heart"

This Thing Called Life

In this heartfelt episode of This Thing Called Life Podcast, host Andi Johnson sits down with Mario Jarrett and his mother, Kesia, to discuss Mario's incredible journey following a cardiac arrest at just 16 years old. They share the challenges and miracles that shaped his need for a heart transplant, highlighting the unwavering love and support that surrounded him throughout this life-altering experience. Mario's story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the determination to embrace life fully. Join us as they delve into the power of hope and the importance of striving for personal growth every day. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

This episode is dedicated to Mario’s Heart Donor Amanda and her family!

Episode Highlights:

• Mario Jarrett shares what led to his need for a Heart Transplant.
• Mario was a high school Athlete participating in Baseball, Football, and Track & Field.
• Mario’s cardiology team thought he suffered mini heart attacks over a period of time without knowing it. Mario indicated he felt like he was just dehydrated.
• In May of 2021, while preparing for the state track and field competition, he went into cardiac arrest.
• Doctors told Mario and his family that he needed to have a heart transplant.
• Mario received a heart transplant at Children's Hospital in Cincinnati on July 26, 2021.
• Mario talks about how his Faith helped him get through his Health Crisis.
• Kesia Jarrett, Mario’s mom, shares her gratitude for the donor's family, health providers, pastoral family, and all the family and friends who were there for her family.
• Kesia reveals that Mario’s Doctors thought his health issues were stemming from Asthma but never expected it was his heart.
• Kesia remembered her spiritual nudge to seek a specialist for Mario.
• Kesia shares her family's motto to Live life and remember to help others in any way you can.
• Andi encourages Mario and Kesia to continue to share their story because it will help many understand the need for Organ Transplants.

3 Key Points:

1. Even young athletes can experience health conditions, that require the need for an Organ Transplant.
2. Remember self-care if you are a caregiver for someone going through a health issue.
3. Share your gifts and create access and awareness of necessary resources for those in need, because, in the blink of an eye, it could be you. And always remember we are meant to be in community with one another.

Tweetable Quotes:

• “Step out of your comfort zone every day.” - Mario Jarrett
• “I am grateful for every opportunity that we get to spread more light and awareness for individuals to consider being a donor for children like Mario.” - Kesia Jarrett
• “I am not bitter. I know it happened for us…not to us.” - Kesia Jarrett
• “Stay in the space of understanding that even though you are going through this journey it is not the end… until it is.” - Kesia Jarrett

Resources:

https://getoffthelist.org/

https://www.networkforhope.org/

https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/

https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO

https://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH

https://aopo.org/