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Friendship
Brittney Andrews, 15 & Sara Castro, 15
Loveland , Colorado & Pico Rivera , California
Brittney Andrews and Sara Castro share a close friendship formed from an uncommon experience. The two girls and their families met in the intensive care unit of Loma Linda University Medical Center 15 years ago when both received heart transplants. Sara was the 85 th heart transplant for a baby less than six months of age and Brittney was the center’s 86 th. Together, they and their families share a common bond as these plucky survivors make their mark in the world.
Born with a malformed heart, Brittney was sent home with little hope for survival. But, at three months of age, Brittney underwent a heart transplant and has lived a normal, healthy life ever since. Now 15, she plays basketball, volleyball and runs track. She is an honor student in middle school and has big plans for her future. She speaks publicly about transplantation and participates in organ donation awareness activities. She has brought home gold medals in track and field competitions at National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games events.
Sara’s mother was a few months pregnant when doctors detected that the baby’s heart rate was only 60, instead of the normal 120. Born 4 pounds, 14 ounces, Sara had severe congenital heart disease. At five weeks, a heart became available, and in January of 1991 she received the gift of life.
Some of Sara and Brittney’s best times have been when the two participated in Transplant Games events together. This week, they will both attend the National Kidney Foundation 2006 U.S. Transplant Games where they hope to win more gold. Brittney will compete in track and field events, and Sara plans to bowl her way to victory.
