URGENT UPDATE: A mother’s fight for life takes an extraordinary turn as Monica McFarlan, who was told she had just days to live, undergoes a groundbreaking dual organ transplant. After a devastating prognosis in February 2026, doctors at Emory University Hospital performed the innovative HALT procedure, giving her a miraculous second chance.
Monica, 37, had battled severe heart failure for over 15 years, enduring multiple hospitalizations and two heart pumps, only to be informed that her options had run out. “I had two days to two weeks to live to say my goodbyes,” she recounted. With high antibody levels making her ineligible for a standard heart transplant, her family was preparing for the unimaginable — hospice care.
Just when hope seemed lost, a question about the new HALT procedure changed everything. This revolutionary technique allows for a heart transplant to be performed after a liver transplant, effectively using the liver as a barrier against harmful antibodies. “It was a big undertaking. The operation was extraordinary, and it took 16 hours to complete,” explained Dr. Victor Pretorius, the surgical director for heart transplant at Emory. “We knew the heart would be rejected without this strategy.”
The HALT procedure was only recently developed in 2023, making Monica’s surgery a historic first in Georgia and only the second instance ever in the United States. “Despite being denied by multiple centers across the country, we were determined to find a solution,” Dr. Pretorius said. “Our only option was hospice care for end-of-life measures until our team decided to pursue this groundbreaking approach.”
In a stunning turnaround, Monica is not only alive but thriving just three months post-surgery. “It feels good to laugh again, to feel like myself again,” she expressed, reflecting on her journey from despair to hope. “I had a second chance, a third chance, a fourth chance! I am just so grateful.”
In a remarkable twist, Monica’s structurally healthy liver was able to be donated, potentially saving another patient’s life. “I thank God every day. My faith has grown so strong,” she stated, emphasizing the emotional impact of this life-changing experience.
As the medical community watches closely, Monica’s story serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar battles with heart failure. This innovative procedure not only highlights advancements in transplant medicine but also underscores the power of resilience and faith in the face of overwhelming odds.
Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story continues to unfold.
