More than ten years after her life-changing heart transplant, Davie resident Marina Alix still finds herself overwhelmed with gratitude. “I’m alive,” she says in Spanish, her voice choked with emotion. “And I cry because I was on the verge of dying.” Her words capture the profound transformation she’s experienced, thanks to the advanced care of the Memorial Cardiac and Vascular Institute.
In 2014, Alix was facing the devastating reality of end-stage heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy. Fortunately, that same year, Memorial received approval to perform adult heart transplants, making her one of the first patients in Broward County to undergo this lifesaving surgery. Today, at age 61, she sees her cardiologist, Dr. Iani Patsias, every six months to ensure her health remains stable. “It is my duty and responsibility to keep her going,” says Dr. Patsias, who is committed to supporting her vibrant, active lifestyle, including her passion for dancing.
Over the past decade, Memorial’s program has successfully transplanted nearly 140 hearts, achieving a remarkable milestone with more than 200% growth since 2023. This accomplishment reflects the program’s dedication and the expertise of a multidisciplinary team. “This institution provided all the services Marina needed to do this well. She’s gone from a sick and frail lady to being an active abuela to a one-year-old,” Dr. Patsias explains, highlighting the journey from vulnerability to vitality.
This year, Alix’s journey continued with a successful kidney transplant, another testament to her strength and Memorial’s specialized expertise. “We want people to fulfill what they want for their lives, and whatever that means to the patient, we’d like to empower that,” Dr. Patsias adds. “In Marina’s case, seeing that she is doing so well is fuel to the soul.”
The Memorial Transplant Institute stands as a beacon of hope for patients like Marina, providing a range of life-saving procedures, including the unique ability to perform simultaneous heart and kidney transplants.