Chicago, Illinois. Simone Scott is currently a freshman at Northwestern University, where she is double majoring in political science/pre-law and broadcast journalism.
“She’s a very bright, determined, and compassionate young lady who has consistently faced challenges with determination and focus,” a GoFundMe page created for her reads.
“She has dreams and aspirations to make a difference in this world through her chosen profession.”
“She has already done so judging by the tremendous words of love by the hundreds of people she has already touched in just a short number of years. Her goal is to continue that trajectory.”
Over Mother’s Day weekend, Simone’s dad helped organize a trip home from college to surprise her mom.
Simone went back to school that Tuesday, and as soon as she returned she started feeling unwell.
Facebook; pictured above is Simone Scott
Simone’s health declined over the next few days, and by the time the weekend had rolled around, she ended up in the Emergency Room.
Her heart was beating rapidly, and doctors diagnosed her with Viral Myocarditis. Some kind of virus had attacked Simone’s heart, and she had to be put on life support.
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Simone’s heart was not able to handle everything. The only way her life could be saved was through a heart transplant, and she needed one fast.
Simone was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where she awaited a match.
Fortunately, Simone was on the transplant waiting list for just a few days before a match was found for her.
It’s now been 15 days since Simone had her heart transplant surgery. Although things went well and Simone is stable, she is still critical and in the ICU.
GoFundMe; pictured above are more photos of Simone
3 days ago, Simone had to have surgery again; this time to take out a blood clot that was creating issues with blood flow to her leg.
In the latest update shared on her CaringBridge, Simone’s aunt said that she now has a bacterial infection in her lungs and will need a tracheotomy.
“Simone will remain in the hospital for at least a month as she recovers,” Simone’s GoFundMe page explains.
“After her release, she must remain close to the NMH in Chicago in order to receive continued care for the following 9-12 months after her transplant. The cost of her medical expenses over this critical time will be substantial.”
If you would like to donate to the GoFundMe page to help cover her medical expenses, you can do so here.