From the lavender fields of France to the bustling streets of London, Saraa Basaria has traveled to some pretty incredible places over the past year.

But what makes her travels all the more incredible is that, not too long ago, Saraa was fighting for her life when flu-like symptoms led to a devastating discovery—end-stage heart failure.

The diagnosis came after the 34-year-old had spent weeks undergoing numerous tests from different specialists to no avail. Saraa was eventually admitted to Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital, where an echocardiogram revealed she had the most severe form of heart failure, making it impossible for her heart to pump enough blood to her organs.

“A cardiology team quickly rushed in, and I heard terms like ‘end-stage heart failure,’” Saraa recalls. “That was a huge shock for my family—we had no idea it was so serious.”

Time was of the essence. Saraa was rushed to Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where she underwent surgery to have a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implanted to support her heart function.

After the LVAD procedure, and some lifestyle changes, Saraa was amazed by how much better she felt. Even more miraculously, follow-up tests showed her heart had recovered and could pump enough blood on its own—making the LVAD no longer necessary.

Saraa’s life was transformed thanks to the expert care she received at the Brigham—care fueled by the generosity of our donors. Committed to ensuring a continuum of care, these donors make a difference in the lives of countless patients like Saraa.

“The Brigham saved my life,” Saraa says. “I have such a deep desire to take advantage of the gift I’ve been given.”

Read more of Saraa’s story at massgeneralbrigham.org