Kiki’s Heart Journey: From Childhood Cancer Survivor to Heart Transplant Warrior
My name is I’Keshia “Kiki” Fields, and my story of survival began when I was just 14 years old. In 1994, I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. After months of aggressive chemotherapy and a total knee replacement, I beat cancer—but the harsh treatments damaged my heart.
Decades later, that damage caught up with me. In 2019, I went into cardiac arrest while asleep. My husband’s quick CPR saved my life, and I received a pacemaker-defibrillator. By 2022, my heart failure had worsened, and I was hospitalized multiple times.
In 2023, I began treatment with the transplant team at the University of Rochester Hospital, but my body had developed many antibodies, making it nearly impossible to find a matching donor heart. When I was told that hospital couldn’t perform the complex treatment needed to make me eligible, I refused to give up hope.
By June 2025, I was traveling regularly to NYU Langone in Manhattan, where doctors finally began preparing my body for transplant. The constant travel from Buffalo to NYC took a heavy toll—physically, emotionally, and financially. I had to stop working as a child welfare caseworker and go on disability.
In July 2025, my heart function dropped to just 10%, and I was admitted to the hospital permanently while awaiting a new heart. The desensitization treatments were grueling, but my faith kept me strong.
Then, on August 25, 2025, a miracle happened—they found me a new heart. I underwent transplant surgery that same day.
Now, I’m focused on healing, rebuilding my strength, and adjusting to life after transplant. My family and I are humbly asking for your support to help with medical expenses, travel, lodging, meals, and recovery costs as I continue this long road to recovery.
Every donation—no matter the amount—makes a difference. And even if you can’t give, sharing my story helps more than you know.
From the bottom of my new heart, thank you for being part of my journey. 💖
