When listening to Janet Dennis’s athletic victories, it is hard to believe that she didn’t begin to participate actively until the age of 50. Even more surprising is the course of events that launched her participation in sports such as swimming and shot put.

“With the exception of being born, I had never been admitted into a hospital until October 2003,” said Dennis. After having trouble breathing, she learned that the hospital would be a place that would unfortunately become a familiar atmosphere.

After undergoing testing, doctors told Janet that an unknown virus attacked her heart, which caused her to go into heart failure. As time passed, her heart was getting weaker and enlarged. Doctors implanted a pacemaker into Janet, but after a year it was necessary for her to receive a defibrillator. If her heart rate went higher than 135, the device would shock her heart back to normal. At first, the defibrillator went off bi-weekly, but it began to increase until one terrifying day it was set off 12 times.

In May 2005 with a failing heart, labored breathing and fluid overload, Janet was told that she would need a heart transplant to survive. “I knew it was temporary, and that I wouldn’t be sick forever,” said Dennis. “The only thing that is forever is eternal life.”

After waiting in the hospital for 6 ½ weeks, Janet received her new heart on July 6, 2005. As part of her recovery, Janet participated in cardiac rehabilitation then eventually joined a gym where her passion for swimming blossomed. When The 2006 Transplant Games took place in Kentucky, Janet participated in the 100-meter backstroke in which she won the silver medal.

Janet gives all medals earned to her donor family.

Since her heart transplant, Janet has participated in three US Transplant Games and two World Transplant Games. All together, Janet has earned one gold medal, two silver medals and four bronze medals, all which she presented to her donor family. “Giving my medals to my donor family is small in comparison of what they have given me,” said Dennis. “My gold medal is sitting in my chest.”

She plans to participate in the 2012 Transplant Games of America as a member of Team Philly, as well as the 2013 World Transplant Games in South Africa.

“I recently celebrated my six year anniversary of my heart transplant,” said Dennis. “I never loose sight that I am doing all I am because someone said yes to donation.”

In addition to her athletic achievements, Janet is also back to work at her full time job in addition to volunteering for Gift of Life Donor Program.

“I am having the time of my life and I owe it to my donor and their family,” said Dennis. “Life is full of meaning- live it then give it, be a donor.”

Tags: Donor Family, Heart Recipient, heart transplant, hope, Inspiration, Team Philly, Transplant Games