Meagan Houpt was born with only half a heart. Immediately after her parents brought her home from the hospital she began turning blue and they rushed right back. She was subjected to numerous heart catheters and tests that eventually revealed her diagnosis: hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and transposition of the great arteries, ASD and VSD. She had to undergo three open heart surgeries before she was even three years old and her parents were told she wouldn’t likely live to see her fifth birthday.
Despite the grave prognosis, Meagan not only survived but has gone on to live a meaningful life. As she puts it, “I may have half a heart, but I don’t have half a life.”
Oftentimes we let others limitations define us. We start to internalize these doubts, we allow them to lead to inaction, and we begin to stagnate. It takes courage and conviction to break through perceived barriers. When I was starting out in school, my mom fought for me to stay in class alongside the sighted kids instead of being siloed to a different classroom because she knew I was capable of more if provided the opportunity. Her belief in my abilities shaped my mindset in life. I continued to fight against others assumptions of my capabilities (and still do) to not just prove people wrong, but to personally thrive.
In Meagan’s own words:
“Even with half a heart, I have lived an amazing life in my 29 years so far. Medical professionals insisted I would never live a normal life and wanted to keep me in a bubble. I’m actually part of the first generation of people with this defect to live this long so there was a constant worry that my heart would fail and exertion could potentially lead to my death. I realized I could retreat and stay inside a safe bubble, fearing death, or I could live my life.
My doctors did not want me to play sports. They thought I wouldn’t keep up with other kids or be hit by a fastball, but I saw my other siblings and friends having fun and playing, and I knew I had to try. I excelled at soccer and softball and ended up playing for twelve years up through high school.
I’m currently working on my master’s degree in Developmental Disabilities with the goal of becoming a Child Life Specialist. I will work on the cardiac floor directly with children like me; guiding them through procedures and be a face of hope and resilience – to help them face their fears. I also am employed full time as a Behavioral Therapist for kids with autism, I’m married to the man of my dreams, and I continue to pursue my goals and keep defying the odds.
I manage my chronic heart condition with medication and am mindful of taking care of myself, but I don’t let my condition take center stage. A diagnosis or condition is not the end of the road. I choose the way I want my life to be, and that path is never boring! Trust in yourself and stay positive – even when it is terrifying and difficult, because ultimately, it is so worth it.”
