Fundraiser benefits woman with rare heart condition


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OGDEN — Fundraising for a Utah woman born with half a heart has already raised over $15,000, and her family has expressed gratitude for the amazing donations still coming in.

Heidi Martin, who was also born with many of her organs on the wrong side of her body, went through multiple heart surgeries before the age of five. She had an extremely rare surgery last month, becoming one of only 10 people in the world who have had it. It involved giving Heidi both a new heart and a new liver at the same time, and Stanford was one of the only hospitals who would take the case.

“It is just really amazing to see all the support and even from strangers that don't even know her,” said Heather Hutchins, Martin’s sister.

The family has been holding fundraisers — including on on Saturday night — to raise money for her treatments, and say that donations continue to roll in every day, something they’re grateful for.


I knew people were kind, but this has just kind of really shown you what people are capable of. For a complete stranger, for them to donate time or money, whatever it may be, to me that's just really amazing.

–Heather Hutchins, Martin's sister


“I knew people were kind, but this has just kind of really shown you what people are capable of,” said Hutchins. “For a complete stranger, for them to donate time or money, whatever it may be, to me that's just really amazing.”

The donations go in part toward anti-rejection drugs given to Martin after the transplant, which Hutchins said can range from $2,500 to $5,000 per month.

All her time spent in and out of Primary Children’s Hospital caused friends and family to endearingly begin calling her “Meidi Hartin” to reflect her compassion and perseverance.

“That kind of became a term of endearment for her,” said Brandon Hutchins, Martin’s brother-in-law.

To read more about the benefit and to make donations, please visit heartforheidi.com.

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