Mar 1, 2010 4:55 am US/Central
New Heart Helps Local Woman Complete Hancock Climb
Melissa Simon Had Heart Disease For 13 Years, Got New Heart In 2007
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Melissa Simon completed a climb up the stairs at the John Hancock Center after receiving a new heart.
CBS
Melissa Simon's climb to the top of the John Hancock building would have been physically impossible for her just a couple of years ago.
But on Sunday, she completed the climb.
"I feel great. A lot of training," said Simon. "Great time with lots of fun people supporting a good cause."
For 13 years, Melissa had heart disease. Then on June 6, 2007, she received a new heart.
"She truly saved my life and that's why I'm here doing this for her."
The "she" Melissa referred to was a 14-year-old girl named Chloe. Chloe was the heart donor. John and Linda Coleman were Chloe's parents.
They, too, were at the Hancock on Sunday to cheer Melissa on.
"It feels really wonderful," said Linda Coleman. "We were not ready for this a couple of years ago. But meeting Melissa is really one of the most wonderful times of our lives."
"It was pretty emotional, very overwhelming," said Simon. "They're such kind people. We've written letters back and forth."
When Melissa finished her long climb, John and Linda joined the celebration. They then did something extraordinary.
"A moment ago, just after she got to the top, we both put on stethoscope and listened to our daughter in her heart," said John Coleman. "It made me cry. It made us both cry."
"(Chloe) was a tremendous athlete," said Simon. "I climb in honor of her cause I know if she were here she would have beaten me to the top."
John and Linda Coleman are promoting the importance of organ donation. Chloe's organs saved the lives of five people, including Melissa Simon.
"When a child dies, they're gone forever unless you donate organs, and then you have a living portion of your child somewhere, so it's a wonderful," said Linda Coleman. "We have a connection with Melissa that keeps us with our daughter."
Melissa Simon is also doing what she can to encourage us to become organ donors. If you'd like to hear about her story,
click here.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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