What I Have Learned Since My Heart Transplant | Ava Kaufman | TEDxUTulsa

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  • Опубликовано: 6 окт 2024
  • What I Have Learned Since My Heart Transplant Ava Kaufman was born in the Bronx. Attending New York University with a double major in Dance Therapy and Theatre Arts. As a dancer, she toured with Gloria Gaynor, Donna Summer, and Jo Jo Smith. As a marketing executive at Capezio in New York, she oversaw the transition from dance-wear into fashion. In Los Angeles, she created a multi-million dollar transportation company with huge hotelier clients. In 2009 Ava had an emergency heart transplant, and in 2011, began the non-profit Ava's Heart, working tirelessly for transplant patients. In 2021 she became a CNN Hero, for her work in the transplant and organ donation community. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

Комментарии • 87

  • @erikdangor
    @erikdangor 3 месяца назад

    Seeing the personal sacrifices she made, like losing her business and going broke, really highlights her dedication to helping others. What an incredible person.

  • @haleeisener
    @haleeisener 5 месяцев назад +1

    The journey from a heart transplant recipient to a champion for others facing similar challenges is nothing short of heroic. It's people like her who inspire true change.

  • @jettseverson
    @jettseverson 3 месяца назад

    It was so powerful when you said that by helping these transplant patients, you're saving lives just as much as the surgeons themselves. And I agree, you're not just providing housing - you're a crucial part of their care.

  • @ximenajantonio
    @ximenajantonio 5 месяцев назад +1

    Wow what a woman. The energy she's sending out is incredible, so glad she's still on Earth and using her experience to spread awareness

  • @therealdualippa
    @therealdualippa 3 месяца назад

    The way she talks about her promise to God and giving back is really powerful. Shows how a single event can change not just the course of someone's life but also the spiritual value

  • @scottvboland
    @scottvboland 3 месяца назад

    I never thought about the impact on the donor's family before. It’s great that her Heart also supports them in such a meaningful way.

  • @thenextbigthingishere
    @thenextbigthingishere 2 месяца назад

    The fact that her nonprofit can house five families at a time is amazing. She's making such a big impact!

  • @robertjoinersr
    @robertjoinersr 4 месяца назад

    Her story shows how personal struggles can lead to profound contributions to society

  • @rheeslewis
    @rheeslewis 5 месяцев назад +1

    I didn't realize the transplant process was so complex, good to see some awareness around it

  • @iambruteforce
    @iambruteforce 3 месяца назад

    Idk if I could stay as positive and upbeat as this lady did after going through something so traumatic and life-threatening. Have a whole lotta respect for her though

  • @TheAffinityAdvocate
    @TheAffinityAdvocate 4 месяца назад

    What an impactful message! Her story is a poignant reminder of the human side of medical science and the impact of community support. Her work is a testament to the power of giving back.

  • @bilbobaggins3rd
    @bilbobaggins3rd 4 месяца назад

    The communal housing she's set up sounds amazing, especially for the stuff she says around the 6:45 mark. Connecting with people who are sharing your experience is an invaluable part of healing.

  • @lloydbetances
    @lloydbetances 4 месяца назад

    What a difference this woman is making for so many people... I've always felt the ability to turn your own personal tragedy or struggle into a source of experience and difference for others is not just incredible but one of the most admirable things a person can do.

  • @thegreatemilianosantiago
    @thegreatemilianosantiago 4 месяца назад

    Heartfelt and Motivating! It's amazing to see how she turned her life-threatening experience into a catalyst for change. Her efforts would be making such a huge difference for so many families.

  • @giacomots
    @giacomots 4 месяца назад

    This is really interesting because let's be honest most of us aren't thinking about the inequality or issues of organ donation. I think it adds a pretty valuable perspective to the conversation on healthcare reform.

  • @tedbuden
    @tedbuden 2 месяца назад

    not being able to move or speak must have been terrifying. Her story and recovery is nothing short of a miracle.

  • @samuelygeissler
    @samuelygeissler 2 месяца назад

    You know, I expected this to be a standard medical success story, but you covered so much deeper emotional ground too. Really great talk, thank you.

  • @kalestanslink
    @kalestanslink 2 месяца назад

    Your passion for this cause is just radiating off the screen. Watching you talk, I can really feel how personal and important this mission is for you, and it's so lovely to see someone so dedicated to helping others just for the sake of it.

  • @aylamorris
    @aylamorris 4 месяца назад

    Oh my stars the bit at the 10:40 mark had me instantly choked up.

  • @dogoodbookkeeping
    @dogoodbookkeeping 2 года назад +4

    Wow Ava, what an incredible story! Thank you for spreading awareness around these issues! I had no idea!

    • @AvaKaufman-j6z
      @AvaKaufman-j6z 5 месяцев назад

      Thank you----life is a precious gift

  • @revkaelenelord
    @revkaelenelord 2 года назад +1

    A very vital speech for unsure hearts to hear. So many wonder if a transplant makes them alive again. What I got from the speech, is that the gift of life does continue.

  • @opheliaollogtren
    @opheliaollogtren 5 месяцев назад +1

    Oh wow the bit about her smelling Jade's hair... it's kind of incredible the way smell can trigger such strong reactions in our mind

    • @AvaKaufman-j6z
      @AvaKaufman-j6z 5 месяцев назад

      it was so very real----it truly saved my lifer

    • @opheliaollogtren
      @opheliaollogtren 5 месяцев назад

      @@AvaKaufman-j6z that's amazing and so wonderful 💜

  • @alaskabaked
    @alaskabaked 3 месяца назад

    I know it's a small part of this talk but when she said it was a soul-altering experience for her I literally got chills. I've often wondered about it like... I know we often speak metaphorically about our heart and how our spirit or spark or whatever you want to call it is inside there, and all the stuff about keeping people in your heart etc.

  • @elliotneason
    @elliotneason 4 месяца назад

    Much respect for turning pain into purpose.

  • @leonavonhaslingen2437
    @leonavonhaslingen2437 2 года назад +1

    Thank you for sharing your story. I am guessing an Ava's Heart is needed in every major city where hospitals do transplants. You've got me thinking!

  • @tkoop63
    @tkoop63 2 года назад +1

    Great talk and yes we need to change the medical system to make it equitable for all

  • @barbaracondra8587
    @barbaracondra8587 2 года назад

    What an amazing story. Not only did she take us through her journey th regain her health, she also challenged us to think about hiw our experiences should be used to bless someone else.

  • @dogeboixx
    @dogeboixx 2 года назад +1

    Well done Ava!

    • @avakaufman3205
      @avakaufman3205 2 года назад

      thank you so much. It has been a journey.

  • @nonah3215
    @nonah3215 Год назад +2

    My father had a heart transplant, and he is absolutely the same, still toxic, still abusive, still lacks empathy, plus the steroids/medications he’s on are making him even more mean and angry.

  • @bentennant9722
    @bentennant9722 2 года назад

    Ava - grateful you’ve taken this brave step to show your heart and journey on a global stage! You’re going to change a LOT of lives

  • @JillianHesselPilates
    @JillianHesselPilates 2 года назад +2

    Beautiful and compelling speech, Ava! Congratulations on all your success in getting the word out about the incredible work you are doing, and your appeal for all of us to do more. The need is so great, and the reward of giving back is incalculable ❤️❤️❤️

  • @percyd1727
    @percyd1727 3 месяца назад

    Gosh I can't imagine how scary that initial feeling would have been. Not knowing what's going on inside your own body is so frustrating

  • @trentonbennettVO
    @trentonbennettVO 2 года назад +1

    Amazing, and so much information that I didn't know about how the system works and what people go through to get a transplant. Thank you for sharing this incredible story!

    • @AvaKaufman-j6z
      @AvaKaufman-j6z 5 месяцев назад

      Aww thank you----beautifully aid.

  • @CoachLove
    @CoachLove 2 года назад

    "Appreciate every moment." Thank you for sharing these life-changing stories.

  • @hendlori11
    @hendlori11 2 года назад

    This is such a sad human inequity. 😢 What an inspiring story, Ava. Thank you for sharing and all that you are doing to save lives.

  • @LeahSkurdal
    @LeahSkurdal 2 года назад

    What an inspiring story! Such an important message that I didn't know anything about. Yes! Support local non-profits.

  • @mojysadri215
    @mojysadri215 2 года назад +1

    Such an amazing journey of recovering health and giving back, Ava! Congratulations on your beautiful speech which opens our minds to see the importance of being a organ donor and much more!

  • @emmifortin
    @emmifortin 2 года назад

    Ava, so very well done! You've not only shared moving real-life stories with us (that brought me to tears), but also impactful statistics and information about the transplant process. This message needs to be shared.

    • @avakaufman3205
      @avakaufman3205 2 года назад +1

      Thank you Emmi for your love and support------i adore you and your Red Dress

  • @illsuive
    @illsuive Год назад

    Thank you Ava. ❤️

  • @gavinsnana
    @gavinsnana 2 года назад

    Wow! Just WOW! I learned, my heart was touched, I’m sobered, and grateful for my gift of daily breath. I deeply respect the work of Ava’s Heart and will look for your website. The story of the mother hearing, her son’s heart beat touched me deeply. Thank you Ava for your work and your wonderful talk.

  • @ruthrodriguez7694
    @ruthrodriguez7694 2 года назад

    Truly amazing Ava. Just hearing your testimony has filled me with hope and inspiration. Your a wonderful miracle. Love to you and yours.

  • @theflowerhead
    @theflowerhead 10 месяцев назад

    That was beautiful, I have goosebumps.

  • @lucylewand9577
    @lucylewand9577 2 года назад

    So powerful Ava. I too had no idea. Thanks for all you’re doing. The message about donors was also enlightening.

  • @bobbywie
    @bobbywie 5 месяцев назад

    So informative! I had no idea about these transplant issues.

  • @dillonbarr9828
    @dillonbarr9828 2 года назад

    Absolute amazing message and heartfelt story. Signing up to be an organ donor now!

  • @waynewatkins4902
    @waynewatkins4902 2 года назад

    Blessings Ava. Thank You

  • @williambabbitt6015
    @williambabbitt6015 2 года назад +1

    Thanks for sharing, prayers to you and your family

  • @henrikolsson8786
    @henrikolsson8786 2 года назад +3

    Just signed up to donate organs after watching this

    • @avakaufman3205
      @avakaufman3205 2 года назад +1

      Thank you------it is an amazing gift--life. god bless you.

    • @avakaufman3205
      @avakaufman3205 2 года назад

      that is wonderful-------thank you--the magic of the door life goes on

    • @avakaufman3205
      @avakaufman3205 2 года назад

      Amazing

  • @EddySmits
    @EddySmits 2 года назад +1

    My deepest respect for you Ava!

  • @marykotuba6901
    @marykotuba6901 2 года назад +1

    Thank you for educating me about a topic I never put much thought into, but will now.

    • @avakaufman3205
      @avakaufman3205 2 года назад +1

      I am thrilled you took the time to listen.

    • @avakaufman3205
      @avakaufman3205 2 года назад

      Thank you for listening.

    • @avakaufman3205
      @avakaufman3205 2 года назад

      you are so welcome--thanks for watchi9ng.

  • @lindsayallinson2643
    @lindsayallinson2643 2 года назад

    Beautiful talk, Ava - well done!

  • @danielfrancis8587
    @danielfrancis8587 2 года назад

    Ava, you're just amazing! Love Colorado Dan. Hope to see you soon!

  • @dr.elisaCanThrive
    @dr.elisaCanThrive 2 года назад

    Very informative!!

    • @avakaufman3205
      @avakaufman3205 2 года назад

      Thank you for taking the time to watch

  • @lachiepturner
    @lachiepturner 3 месяца назад

    that little girl wondering if it was okay to pray for a new heart because it means someone has to die...wow that just broke my heart. kids shouldn't have to grapple with thoughts like that.

  • @donald-hamilton
    @donald-hamilton 4 месяца назад

    I had no idea about all the struggles transplant patients face even after the surgery itself.

  • @lucastanard
    @lucastanard 4 месяца назад

    Sad that it's on the individual whose been through this to make a difference and support others going through it instead of just support from those running our country. That's not a slight to all her efforts - she's doing an incredible task - just saying the responsibility should not be on her

  • @jose485
    @jose485 5 месяцев назад

    buen video.

  • @TheRealShinedownShimmy
    @TheRealShinedownShimmy 3 месяца назад

    Wow things are so different in the states. Seems like you guys have to jump through all kinds of hoops that just don't exist in other parts of the world.

  • @TheShadowComesAlive
    @TheShadowComesAlive 2 месяца назад

    Okay can we just go back to the bit about her business partners embezzling money from her?? Like...what?? What kind of people do that to someone whose going through something like a heart transplant

  • @TracieJLee
    @TracieJLee 4 месяца назад

    "souls go to heaven, organs don't" - what a simple but poignant way to encourage organ donation.

  • @genagarbo9548
    @genagarbo9548 4 месяца назад

    Yeah the healthcare system is effed, we know.

  • @Djmst0
    @Djmst0 4 месяца назад

    😅😮😮😮😮