CBS Atlanta 46Fundraiser for Woodstock mother nets $30K

Community members raised more than $30,000 for a Woodstock mother who is surviving only because of a mechanical heart. 

Monica McFarlan, a 37-year-old marathon runner and mother of two young boys, was perfectly healthy until a year ago when her heart suddenly gave out. Doctors told her a rare virus had caused cardiomyopathy, which prevents the heart from pumping as much blood as it should. 

McFarlan wasn't able to get a heart transplant because her blood has too many antibodies and would likely reject a donor heart. Her only option was to get a mechanical heart, which she says has changed her life. 

"I would not be alive, so I'm blessed," McFarlan said. "I count my blessings every day." 

Because the mechanical heart requires constant battery power, McFarlane wears a backpack connected to a small tube that goes through her abdomen. She even wore the backpack with her pink ball gown to the fundraiser. 

"This is my heart that I carry on my back," she said. "It's all my medical equipment, but I have two young boys so I have to have my hands free." 

Friend Cynthia Bateman said the Saturday night event was more than just to raise funds. 

"She's also concerned in using this opportunity to spread the word," Bateman said. "If a 37-year-old healthy marathon runner can fall sick from this type of disease anybody can."

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