Climb of My Life: Scaling Mountains with a Borrowed Heart »

Kelly Perkins was only 30 years old when she learned she needed a heart transplant. For many people, that would mean the end of their old lifestyles, but Kelly accepted the challenge and became the first heart transplant patient to reach the summit of some of the world's tallest and most recognizable peaks. This inspirational tale of hope and accomplishment is something everyone can find personal meaning in. The Climb of My Life tells the story of Kelly's transplant, recovery, and ascents up such mountains as Mt. Kilimanjaro-all on a borrowed heart.

Publishers Weekly

Perkins and her husband have always led a life filled with mountain climbing and other athletic activities. Strong, active 30-year-old women rarely end up in hospital cardiac units, but when Perkins discovered she had contracted a viral infection that lodged in her heart, it soon became clear that substantial intervention was needed. She received a defibrillator implant, a pacemaker, numerous drugs and eventually a transplant. Perkins decided to live her post-transplant life to the fullest, scaling Mt. Fuji, the Matterhorn, Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Whitney in an effort to bring attention to the need for organ donors around the world. While at times her writing can become treacly, there are some truly heartwarming moments. Much like Laura Evans's 1996 cancer survival memoir by the same title, Perkins's engaging tale provides valuable inspiration for others struggling to return to an active life after a dire illness. (Nov.)

Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information

Acknowledgments     ix
A Life of Surprises     1
Airlift over the Matterhorn     25
Shock Therapy     44
Washout     66
"See You Later"     76
Wireless     85
Bubbles over Half Dome     102
The Woman Who Danced with the Mountain     114
Release     124
Dog Years     138
A Milestone     153
The Climb of My Life     177
Full Circle     192
Straight through the Heart     210
Epilogue: The Heart of the Matter     228
Frail to Fit, Kelly's Path to Building Strength     231
Most Frequently Asked Questions     235
About the Author     243