She's got heart for American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month, and when it comes to heart, Nicole "Nikki" Brown is all in. Nikki celebrated the 10th anniversary of her lifesaving heart transplant on February 2. In addition to raising awareness for heart disease, Nikki serves as the diversity/minority liaison for Team Illinois, the official state team of the Transplant Games of America.

"Life as I knew it changed forever with one phone call ten years ago," she says, "I'm just happy to be here, and I do my best to live out the legacy of the most beautiful soul ever, my donor."

Since her transplant, Nikki has continued to have complications with her heart, but each and every time, has bounced back with strength and determination.

"I have gained a sense of peace and comfort about who I am," she says, "My miracle and I are still in a state of bliss, joy, and gratefulness."

For more information on heart disease, visit American Heart Month | NHLBI, NIH. To learn about the Transplant Games of America, go to www.transplantgamesofamerica.org.