Sonya Marshmon has always embodied greatness through quiet resilience, gracefully handling life’s toughest challenges. Whether tackling motherhood or a demanding job at a bank, she’s taken it all in stride. It wasn’t until her 50s that she truly understood the depth of not only her own greatness, but that of those around her. In a journey marked by heart issues and life-or-death decisions—from ventricular tachycardia, heart failure, a defibrillator implant, and eventually a transplant—Sonya had no choice but to find and rely on her resilience.
Her turning point came when her healthcare provider referred her to Dr. Patricia Pat-Yue Chang at UNC Health—the decision that saved her life.
The Start of a Long Journey
In 1997, Sonya was a healthy 27-year-old new mom with no history of heart disease. But on the way home from a family trip, Sonya felt increasingly unwell. After stopping for some fresh air, she passed out.
At the first hospital, doctors dismissed her symptoms as drug-related because of her young age. They conducted further tests and diagnosed her with ventricular tachycardia. Doctors implanted a defibrillator to regulate her heart. Over the years, the strain from the tachycardia and the medications eventually led to heart failure.
By late 2021, a transplant was no longer just an option—it was the only way forward.
A Life-Changing Decision
Those doctors transferred Sonya to UNC Health to see Dr. Chang, widely considered the best in her field. After a failed stress test, the reality of needing a new heart sunk in.
“I honestly lost it,” she said. “It still kind of makes me a little teary-eyed.”
The road to the transplant wasn’t easy—appointments, tests, new medications, and vaccinations only made Sonya more anxious.
By mid-November, a heart became available, yet Dr. Chang chose to wait for a better match, showing the care and precision that would give Sonya a greater chance at life. When the perfect heart finally came, Sonya feared she might not survive the surgery.
But her son, Cameron, stayed hopeful, keeping a necklace with the word “mom” in a heart, which he promised to give back to Sonya when she made it through surgery.
A New Lease on Life
Sonya’s recovery was a team effort. With unwavering support from her family — especially her husband, son and sisters — along with Dr. Chang and her heart transplant coordinator—and “angel”—Brittany, she found strength in every step. Sonya praises Brittany as someone she could always count on for peace of mind on the road to recovery.
Today, Sonya’s life is much different. No longer the slowpoke of the family, her loved ones now have to keep up with her. From attending family gatherings to participating in the Triangle Heart Walk and celebrating her heart transplant anniversary with a trip to Disney World, Sonya is embracing life with a deep sense of gratitude.
“When I was in my 20s, I couldn’t even hang with 20-year-olds,” she jokes. “I’m hanging with them now! We had the absolute best time.”
Inspiring Others
Sonya’s story is proof that with the right care and support, life after heart failure can be lived well. Her advice is simple: Listen to your doctors, make healthy choices and don’t be afraid to lean on your support system.
Most importantly, she emphasizes the value of honesty with your doctor. “Tell the doctor the truth. Tell them everything,” Sonya urges. “It makes a big difference in their ability to properly treat you.”
Sonya’s journey is one of many testaments to expert care, resilience and second chances. Sign up for UNC Health’s newsletter to receive more stories of everyday greatness, plus get health tips and tools to help you live well.
