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Cranberry teen will share her transplant story
Source:
Cranberry Eagle
Written by:
Bob Schultz
Published:
March 3, 2010
WARRENDALE — Samantha Scholl looks like the typical teenage high school student.
She's a cheerleader at Quigley Catholic High School, involved in track and gymnastics, and is looking forward to her senior graduation.
But Samantha, 18, of Cranberry Township is anything but typical.
In her young life, Samantha has undergone not one, but two heart transplants.
She will talk about that experience as the guest speaker at the Beaver-Butler Heart Ball, which will be held March 13 at the Four Points Sheraton Pittsburgh North. The ball is a fundraising event to raise money for heart research because "without the (heart) research, I wouldn't be here," she said. Money raised goes toward research and to help fund events such as the Heart Camp held annually at Camp Kon-O-Kwee in Fombell, Beaver County, just outside Zelienople.
Samantha's first transplant came when she was just 3 days old: the infant daughter of Pat and Denise Scholl was diagnosed with a rare heart defect.
At age 8, Samantha explained that chronic rejection and coronary artery disease required her second heart transplant.
"Transplanted hearts are usually expected to only last about 10 years," Samantha said. This year is the 10th year since her last transplant.
Although Samantha says she feels healthy and doctors have told her that her heart is fine, she said it's still in the back of her mind that another heart transplant is in her future.
She also said she might have to face a kidney transplant because of damage caused by the anti-rejection drugs she takes for her heart.
Samantha, who has attended Heart Camp every year for the past decade, said it's a truly wonderful experience.
"You get to talk about your heart problems with others facing the same challenges. It helps to know that you're not the only one," Samantha said.
Barbara Roth, the American Heart Association's division director for Beaver and Butler counties, said this year's goal is to raise $200,000.
Roth estimates that 300 to 400 people will attend the event, which is the fourth year that Beaver and Butler counties have teamed up to host the ball.
In 2007-08, the heart association invested more than $559 million in research, professional and public education, advocacy and community service programs.
Roth pointed out that heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women and the number one birth defect among children.
"Everybody knows somebody affected by heart disease," she said.
Dr. Angel Rafael Flores and David Bonvenuto are co-chairing the 2010 Beaver Butler Counties Heart Ball.
Flores, a cardiologist, is with the Heritage Valley Heart & Vascular Center. Bonvenuto is executive vice president and general manager of Oberg Medical.
This year's theme is Heart Rock Cafe. Those attending will enjoy dinner, dancing and a live and silent auction.
During the evening, an "Open Your Heart" special appeal will be made to improve and protect the health of America's children.
According to the heart association, about 16 percent of all children and teenagers in the U.S. are currently overweight or obese. Studies show this generation's children might not outlive their parents.
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