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Celebrating the Launch of “What The Heart Wants” Wellness Organization
Brooklyn McLinn, a name that resonates with resilience and the unyielding spirit of a heart transplant survivor, has emerged as a beacon of hope for countless individuals battling heart-related challenges. As he embarks on a new chapter with the launch of his nonprofit organization, “What The Heart Wants Wellness Organization,” we delve into Brooklyn’s remarkable journey, shedding light on his struggles, triumphs, and unwavering dedication to promoting heart health and wellness.
Brooklyn McLinn’s story is one of profound transformation and unwavering determination. Growing up in a family plagued by heart problems, Brooklyn was no stranger to the devastating toll that cardiovascular issues could take. His grandmother and father succumbed to heart attacks, serving as painful reminders of the importance of maintaining a healthy heart.
In 2016, Brooklyn while playing basketball felt discomfort in his sternum. Not understanding what was happening he continued playing basketball. After leaving the gym and the pain increasing he began to run errands until his left arm began going numb. He drove himself to the hospital and collapsed in the lobby. After being revived he was told he was having a Massive Heart Attack aka “A Widow Maker.” After receiving a stent it was suggested by his doctor that he needed a heart transplant, a shocking diagnosis that he couldn’t believe!. Because he took so long getting help his heart became enlarged and his valves were severely leaking. The cause of the heart attack was some plaque in the arteries that broke off in the bloodstream causing blockages.
A year after his first heart attack, Brooklyn’s condition deteriorated. In September 2017, he underwent open-heart surgery to correct the valve issue and make his heart a more normal size. His journey to recovery was not without its challenges.
Just six weeks after the first surgery, Brooklyn faced another setback when it was discovered that his heart valves were leaking again. The prospect of undergoing two open-heart surgeries within five months was daunting. During this tumultuous period, he battled depression, extreme weight loss, insomnia, and overwhelming thoughts of suicide.
Despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Brooklyn’s indomitable spirit carried him through. In 2020 during the height of the pandemic he had a second heart attack! While losing consciousness it was during this time that he experienced a defining moment in his life. En route to the hospital in an ambulance, he flatlined, effectively dying before being resuscitated. This near-death experience profoundly changed his perspective on life.
After narrowly escaping death, Brooklyn was told that he needed a pacemaker. This marked the beginning of his journey towards a heart transplant. After waiting in the hospital for three months, On January 31, 2021, he underwent a life-changing procedure, enduring a stroke during the operation that left the left side of his body paralyzed. His Kidneys were failing, his liver and spleen were swollen due to the poor heart function of his original heart. For the next two months, Brooklyn underwent intense physical therapy, learning to walk, speak, and write again. It was arduous, but his determination and unwavering spirit fueled his recovery. By September 2021, Brooklyn had fully recovered, emerging from the darkest chapter of his life stronger than ever.
Brooklyn’s harrowing journey was a poignant reminder of the critical importance of heart health and early intervention. His experience compelled him to establish “What The Heart Wants” Wellness Organization, a nonprofit that promotes heart health and wellness within communities.
The organization’s mission, wthwwellness.org, is to create a world where heart health is a top priority. Through educational initiatives, support for heart surgery survivors, and collaboration with health advocates and professionals, the organization aims to raise awareness about potential health issues and promote a culture of wellness.
To mark the launch of “What The Heart Wants” Wellness Organization, Brooklyn and his team are organizing the inaugural Heart Walk on September 30, 2023, at Redondo Beach Pier from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. This event, taking place in honor of World Heart Day, allows families, community members, health advocates, heart surgery survivors, and wellness influencers to come together to support heart health.
Brooklyn McLinn’s journey from a heart transplant survivor to the founder of “What The Heart Wants” Wellness Organization is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Through his struggles and triumphs, Brooklyn has found his purpose – to advocate for heart health, raise awareness about potential health issues, and inspire others to prioritize their well-being.
As we celebrate the launch of “What The Heart Wants” Wellness Organization, let us remember Brooklyn’s powerful message: “The heart transplant showed me there is no separation between us. Being able to switch organs with someone shows we are all one.” Together, we can all take steps toward a healthier heart and a brighter future. Join us in this inspiring journey towards wellness.
