Cary teen who received heart transplant 'just keeps going'
Lucas Santos, a Cary teen who received a heart transplant last year, is running in a 5K fundraiser Saturday. He said his health struggles have taught him about faith, patience and endurance.
Posted — Updated“Whenever I feel tired, I stop, and my heart tells me just keep going,” he said. “It feels like it’s just saying just keep going.”
Running is something the Cary High School senior doesn’t take for granted. Born with a congenital heart defect known as Ebstein anomaly, he underwent a heart transplant in November after showing signs of heart failure.
Santos said he’s doing well with his new heart, and his body is showing no more signs of rejection. He has returned to Cary High School and is playing trombone again in the marching band.
“It might be a chance for me to show how good I can be out there,” Santos said. “I feel as ready as I’ll ever be.”
The teen also said he’s learned certain lessons from his struggle with his health in the last year – lessons about faith, patience and endurance.
“God has taught me not to fear. Just don't fear, don’t worry,” he said.
A spokeswoman for the Children’s Organ Transplant Association said the campaign has raised more than $57,000 toward the goal of $60,000 for Santos’ care. A few more fundraising events are planned before the Nov. 5 deadline, which marks a year from the date of his transplant.
Santos says he thinks he will “come out on top” in the race.
“As long as I finish, I’m a happy camper,” he said.
• Credits
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
