Heart transplant patient recounts trusting relationship with HMH cardiac team
Back in 2002 when Willinda Bailey was a new college graduate, she found herself imagining a life most college kids never dream of. She was undergoing open heart surgery due to a recently diagnosed congenital heart valve deformity. At the tender age of 4, doctors had discovered a heart murmur which had caused little problem for her growing up. Now, at 22, an echocardiogram confirmed the valve deformity. Following her first open heart surgery, the Manchester, Ohio resident developed endocarditis, or inflammation of the heart valve. This would begin the long spiral into a world of heart issues most people can’t fathom.
A second open heart surgery conducted was necessary to repair aortic valves. However, things took a turn for the worse when some of Bailey’s arteries collapsed during surgery. The surgery proved unsuccessful, and she spent 28 days total in the hospital receiving treatment for her endocarditis and for her recovery.
“I can remember laying in my hospital bed as a 22-year-old asking God why this had happened to me. I had done everything right that I was supposed to do. I went to college, I worked hard, I landed my first real job, and then, ‘Bam!’ it all changed,” said Bailey. But Bailey’s parents had always raised her to shake off the pain of life’s challenges and move on. So, she did just that.
In 2003, she met now HMH cardiac interventionalist Matthew Shotwell, M.D. And, as her story plays out, you’ll understand the decades-long, trusting relationship Bailey now shares with him.
“I met Dr. Shotwell (Matt as she refers to him) in 2003, and I’ve been his patient ever since. He’s not just my doctor . . . I consider him a friend. He will not allow me to get down in the dumps,” she said.
In 2006, Bailey had her third open heart surgery and found what is called a pseudoaneurysm wrapped around Bailey’s aorta. While performing the surgery, grafts and a mechanical valve were implanted. That repair lasted about a year, until she began experiencing chest pain and swelling. Again, Dr. Shotwell did a cardiac catheterization and found scar tissue around those graphs. Shotwell put in stents to unblock them. Fast forward to another episode of chest pain and other symptoms. Once again, Shotwell did another cardiac cath.
“I was told that, due to my ongoing deteriorating condition, Dr. Shotwell was concerned that he would be unable to make the repair. I was told the nurses were near tears, because my condition was just so delicate at the time,” said Bailey. But fortunately, the stents held – a true testament to the trust Bailey has developed over the years with Dr. Shotwell and his skill as a cardiac surgeon.
In 2017, Bailey experienced tremendous swelling and required a fourth open heart surgery to this time replace her tricuspid valve with a mechanical valve at another tertiary hospital.
Over the years, Bailey has had more than her fair share of ablations, a pacemaker and multiple heart catheterizations. But one thing remained constant — her trust in and relationship with HMH’s Dr. Shotwell.
So, when a ruptured ovarian cyst sent her to HMH once again, she was referred to another facility for surgery. The physicians thought surgery would prove too risky. A second ruptured cyst occurred while Bailey was at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and a surgery was performed there. Preparing for her ovarian surgery, various heart tests, including an EKG and echocardiogram, were ordered, revealing not so great results on the status of her heart condition. This time, Dr. Shotwell recommended they begin the conversation about a heart transplant.
“While I knew a heart transplant might someday be a possibility, I thought it would be way off in the future,” said Bailey. “I got referred to University of Kentucky’s Transplant Center, but after discussion with their Transplant Team, was told I would not be a good fit for their program.” The Transplant Team at UK referred her to Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Transplant Program. It took nearly a year to get on the Vanderbilt transplant list.
Before a heart transplant could occur, the doctors at Vanderbilt wanted to replace a pulmonary valve first. While the pulmonary valve replacement proved unsuccessful, all was not lost. Physicians were able to obtain specific numbers and pressure readings to verify that Bailey could indeed be placed on the transplant list. Despite Bailey having to travel the roughly five hours one way to Nashville every four to six weeks for appointments until a donor heart became available, Dr. Shotwell kept himself in the loop.
In October 2024, Bailey got an offer for a donor heart, but then found out another transplant patient would receive it instead. The second potential donor heart in December was also short-lived, when it was determined that heart wasn’t viable either. Again, a non-viable heart was offered in January 2025. At this point, Bailey had spent 83 days at Vanderbilt Medical Center, frustrated and weary.
“The Transplant Team suggested I go home and take a break from the emotional rollercoaster I had been on for a while. So, I did,” she said.
On April 29, 2025, Bailey received “the” phone call in the middle of the night that her donor heart was here.
“My transplant surgeon came to my pre-op bedside, and I asked, ‘Is it mine? Are you sure?’, almost in disbelief.”
The transplant surgery went well. However, the next day, Bailey became unresponsive for the next 2-3 days and a breathing tube was added. Little by little, her condition slowly improved.
“You know you’re making progress when they start taking tubes and machines away. I went from sitting up in bed to sitting in a chair to standing and then to walking. I eventually was removed from dialysis. Patients following a heart transplant were required to stay in Nashville at least six weeks or more following surgery. Bailey was released on August 12th to come home to Ohio.
“My husband would come on the weekends, and my friend Gayla would stay with me during the week. Other extended family members filled in as well. It truly took a village,” she said.
Today, Bailey is simply grateful to be alive.
“I don’t know much about my donor, other than it was a young person. At my six-month anniversary, I’ll be able to write a letter to the donor’s family. It’s up to that family to then decide if they want to make their identity known,” she said. “Every day is a reminder that I’m not just living for myself, but I’m living for that person who provided their heart to me as well.”
On August 20, 2025, doctors at Vanderbilt implanted a cardiac MEMS unit into her. The MEMS is a small device (about the size of a paper clip) used as a preventative, diagnostic tool to eliminate the need for frequent hospitalizations. The device allows her cardiology team to assess readings about the condition of Bailey’s heart and adjust medications accordingly.
People are quick to point out that Bailey’s long, arduous struggle with her heart condition inspires them.
“Dr. Shotwell says I’m his hero (a statement that Bailey refutes). But I believe in my faith, I know I was supposed to have Dr. Shotwell in my life for a reason, and I’m blessed to still be standing,” Bailey said. “Dr. Shotwell listens. He saved my life. I know he’s just a man. But, he’s a great doctor who cares about people. I trust him and his judgment to refer me to the right individual(s), if more expertise is needed. He views his patients’ success as his success. He’s truly a special person.
She also points out that the healthcare staff at HMH – all the nurses and practitioners – do a tremendous job.
“I don’t like to go just anywhere for my care. I consider myself really picky. Harrison Memorial Hospital has never let me down,” she said.
Bailey has been married to her husband, John, for nearly five years. Together, they are joined by Bailey’s stepdaughter, Izzy, who has just started her senior year in high school. Both John and Willinda share a love of all things historical. In her spare time, she enjoys painting, crafts, baking and reading.
