CA Woman Born With Backwards Heart Turns Life Around After Transplant

ELK GROVE, CA — A California woman born with a backwards heart has turned her life — and her heart — around, after receiving a transplant, according to reports.

Sheri Johnson, 56, of Elk Grove, was born with a congenital heart defect called transposition of the great arteries, Today reported, and underwent a life-saving surgery at 5, according to KCRA.

She wasn’t expected to live past her teens, but continued for decades to surpass doctors’ predictions, KCRA reported. She attended college, had a career in education and adopted two daughters with her husband, according to Today.

“It was always in the back of my head that today could be my last day,” she told Today.

As time passed, she needed a pacemaker and developed atrial flutter and heart failure, Today reported, eventually receiving a new heart in December 2021.

“I’m able to do so much more,” Johnson told Today. “Now, I’m riding my bike. I’m walking. I’m doing the classes at the gym. I’m going to the pool.”

She also plans to take part in the 2024 Transplant Games of America’s 5K walk and bike ride, according to Today.

"Number one, to honor my donor and by protecting and do what I can with this great gift and honor the doctors who helped me get to this place,” she told KCRA.