Destany Epps-Manuel’s Journey with Heart Disease

DALLAS – In North Texas, a poignant story of resilience and hope unfolds through the life of Destany Epps-Manuel. Diagnosed with a rare heart disease when she was just 22 years old, Epps-Manuel has navigated a challenging 14-year journey filled with faith and perseverance.

The Moment of Diagnosis

In October 2010, at the young age of 22, Destany faced a life-altering diagnosis: idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition impacting the left side of her heart. This diagnosis came as a devastating shock, especially considering her role as a mother. “I have a 16-year-old. At the time I was diagnosed, he was two and a half and I looked in his face and I knew I had to be here to be a mom if nothing else,” Epps-Manuel reflected on that pivotal moment.

Medical Journey and Challenges

Her medical journey began at Baylor Scott & White in Dallas, where doctors struggled to determine the specific issues affecting her heart. Epps-Manuel underwent her first heart transplant, receiving an artificial heart and being placed on a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD). Complications soon arose, necessitating a second LVAD machine. However, the medications intended to support her new heart severely affected her kidneys, resulting in the need for a kidney transplant.

Amid further complications related to her right heart, Epps-Manuel found herself in dire circumstances. “I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it. My blood pressure plummeted. I was very, very sick,” she recalled, giving insight into the severity of her situation. Medical professionals advised that her only hope lay in receiving treatment at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.

A Complex Surgical Undertaking

At Cedars-Sinai, Tyler Gunn, an Assistant Professor of Cardiac Surgery, prepared to conduct what would be Epps-Manuel’s fourth heart surgery and second transplant. This extensive procedure lasted over 10 hours. “Part of the issues that complicated her case was that with each heart surgery she developed antibodies that potentially reject her new heart,” Gunn explained. To combat this, aggressive therapies were implemented to lower the likelihood of rejection.

Support Through Faith and Community

Epps-Manuel’s journey is marked not only by medical challenges but also by an unwavering support system led by her father, Oscar Epps, who serves as a pastor at Community Missionary Baptist Church in DeSoto. “I had to put my faith in a pitcher, where people could see that I’m not just talking about it. I now have to live it because of our own circumstances,” her father stated, underscoring the importance of faith during tough times.

Enduring Hope and Perseverance

Epps-Manuel’s experiences have become a beacon of hope for others. “Never wallow in your sadness. Always find something to keep you going, whether it’s for you, for your family, or to uplift others in Christ. Whatever that reason is, just make sure you find a reason to keep pushing,” she advised, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, even in adversity.