What helped me get through all this is that I knew God was always there and I never had a fear of death.”Kathy McLeroy
CULLMAN – Meet Kathy McLeroy. Kathy is the mother of two grown children, Zackary McLeroy and Brittany (Matthew) Howell. She has three beautiful grandchildren, 9-year-old Miles, 6-year-old Alexa, 1-year-old Ever, and sweet little Georgiabelle, who will make her appearance in May. She was the marketing and advertising director for The Cullman Times from 1980 until January 2013 when she had to retire due to health issues. She has been involved in the community and has done volunteer work with Relay For Life and the American Red Cross for many years.
Even though Kathy’s a little bitty thing, she has accomplished great feats of bravery over the years. Serious health issues have left her with an appreciation of the simple things in life. She is an inspiration to everyone she meets and offers hope to those who are suffering with their own health.
“I had Hodgkin’s disease when I was 21, breast cancer at 41, a massive heart attack and open heart surgery at 45,” Kathy began. “When I was 52 my heart began to fail at a rapid speed. There was no alternative but to try to get placed on the heart transplant list. I had previously been told it would not be possible because of my history of cancer.”
“I was sent to Dr. Rayburn at Trinity Hospital; it was my final option, there was nothing else that could be done,” she continued.
“I met with Doctor Rayburn and he immediately felt my medical history looked bad but he said I had the right attitude for such a procedure and if I wanted the transplant he would get me the appointment to start the process,” she giggled.
“Because he had previously been over UAB’s Heart Transplant Unit, he was able to get an appointment for me quickly. In February 2013 I went through lots of tests and was eventually approved for a transplant on February 28, 2013,” she smiled.
“Then on May 14, 2014 at 5 a.m., I received the call I had been waiting on. Later that same day, I received my new heart.”
“I would encourage everyone to take responsibility for his or her health,” she said emphatically. “Communicate, ask questions and make your health a priority.”
Many take good health for granted, but once that good health goes away, tend to panic and become afraid. Not Kathy; she has bravely fought her battles and come out a winner – all three times. But just how did she do it?
“What helped me get through all this is that I knew God was always there and I never had a fear of death,” she explained.
“Everything happens for a reason and I have always chosen to believe something good comes out of every situation – if you look for it. My life is a testimonial to that, through all these challenges I have gained knowledge, started new friendships and understand the word courage!”
What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. In Kathy’s case, she is unstoppable. With a healthy heart she is gearing up to continue where she left off – playing with her grandchildren and helping others.
“I look forward to volunteering in the community again,” she smiled warmly.
“I am now able to be back on the Red Cross Board after several years and I am excited to do some volunteer work with Kelly Townsend at Cullman County Commission on Aging. Before my heart transplant, my grandkids would run around me and now I can run around them! I am truly blessed.”
Kathy McLeroy is a living example of strength and perseverance. Her love of life and trust in God goes above and beyond the norm. We wish her the best in life and many more years with us as an example of what a good heart and great attitude can accomplish.
