A 20-year-old Georgia woman who has battled cancer, a stroke and underwent a heart transplant lived out a dream on Tuesday. Meghan Head went nose to nose with a dolphin at the Georgia Aquarium.
For a few precious moments, Meghan and her parents had the chance to meet with a dolphin named Lily.
"I like how they laugh; they're really smart," Meghan said.
Meghan's mom, Tribune Head, says Meghan is not just a young woman who loves a dolphin trainer, she's a survivor.
"She was diagnosed when she was 7 months old, originally, with leukemia. And then went through a bone marrow transplant from her twin sister," said Tribune Head.
Meghan was cured, but then she relapsed at 3 and endured a second bone marrow transplant.
"Did well for 17 years. They always tell you that the chemotherapy has late effects," said Tribune.
Last winter, Megan had a stroke. That's when her family learned the chemotherapy she received years before had severely damaged her heart. She then needed the most major surgery of all: a heart transplant.
"I just believed in God, and I just felt, 'OK, all right, this is another hurdle we have to get over.' And I just believe that she would come through that," said Tribune Head.
On November 1 2012, at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Meghan received her new heart. It was a major turning point.
"And she is getting strong every day, we are very, very blessed," Tribune Head said.
It's been almost four months since Meghan's heart transplant. She's been working with her father Raymond, who is a personal trainer, every day to get stronger.
Megan had begun college when she had her stroke in February of 2012. She hopes to one day go back to school.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:27 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:27:37 GMT
Summer in Georgia means mosquitoes—and lots of them. Even if you're just stepping outdoors for a few minutes, you need to protect yourself. But how do you pick the right bug repellent?
Summer in Georgia means mosquitoes—and lots of them. Even if you're just stepping outdoors for a few minutes, you need to protect yourself. But how do you pick the right bug repellent?
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:20 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:20:11 GMT
Memorial Day weekend – the unofficial start of summer – is just days away. Thousands of Georgians are planning to fly somewhere, which is great, unless flying panics you.
Memorial Day weekend – the unofficial start of summer – is just days away. Thousands of Georgians are planning to fly somewhere, which is great, unless flying panics you.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:51 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:51:47 GMT
Chances are your child or someone in your child's class has at least one food allergy.
Chances are your child or someone in your child's class has at least one food allergy. A study by the CDC released last week shows that one in every 20 kids is dealing with food allergies. It's a challenge, but doctors say it's important that kids get diagnosed and treated.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:17 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:17:24 GMT
When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight. In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician.
When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight. In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician. So, how much does your doctor really need to know?
Monday, May 20 2013 6:03 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:03:26 GMT
Sutton Burnett's blog began as a way to share her story with friends and family. It's grown into something much deeper.
Drop in on your friend's Facebook pages and blogs and you'll probably see a lot of photos of their kids. Sutton Burnett's blog began as a way to share her story with friends and family. It's grown into something much deeper.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:28 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:28:40 GMT
Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. A veteran dermatologist says he used to see three to five melanomas a year. Now, he says, he sees that many in a week!
Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. A veteran dermatologist says he used to see three to five melanomas a year. Now, he says, he sees that many in a week!
Thursday, May 16 2013 11:00 PM EDT2013-05-17 03:00:47 GMT
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows millions of American kids suffer from mental health problems. Experts believe as many as 20 percent of American children are affected.
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows millions of American kids suffer from mental health problems. Experts believe as many as 20 percent of American children are affected.
Thursday, May 16 2013 12:02 AM EDT2013-05-16 04:02:20 GMT
Hundreds of American troops have lost a leg or arm in Afghanistan because of improvised explosive devices or homemade bombs.
Hundreds of American troops have lost a leg or arm in Afghanistan because of improvised explosive devices or homemade bombs. It was 29-year-old John Kremer's job to find those hidden bombs, and safely destroy them. That's what the Buford man was trying to do, when one of them exploded right under his feet.
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