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21-Year-Old Algonquin Heart Recipient Publishes Book, Thanks Donors

Lauren Aggen shares her inspiring story in her book, "Austin's Gift: The Life of a Grateful Organ Recipient."

Shortly after she was born, Algonquin resident Lauren Aggen was diagnosed with hypoplastic left-heart syndrome, a rare defect in which the heart is unable to carry adequate blood flow through the body. She would need a heart transplant within days, or she would not survive.

As time was running out, Aggen was matched with a donor heart from an infant in Austin, Texas, who died of sudden infant death syndrome. At just 8 days old, Lauren’s transplant was a success. Aggen, however, suffered profound hearing loss, most likely due to the drugs she was given to keep her alive while she waited for the transplant.

Aggen graduated from in 2009 and now, at age 21, she attends college at the National Institute for the Deaf at Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. She received her associate degree in May and is working toward her bachelor’s in multidisciplinary studies. Aggen wears a hearing aid and communicates clearly, and she also knows sign language.

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Since she was a little girl, Aggen dreamed of writing her own book. “My grandfather encouraged me to write stories, and when he passed away, I was determined to write a book that would help others,” Aggen said. “When I was in high school, I became so ill that the Make a Wish team came to my hospital bed to grant me a wish.”

Her dream was to get her writing published.

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Aggen wanted to express her gratitude toward her donor family, though she still does not know who they are. Her book, Austin’s Gift, was released earlier this year. It chronicles Aggen’s struggles and experiences as an organ donor recipient, as well the ways in which the transplant and her hearing loss have shaped her life.

Getting her book published inspired Aggen to take writing classes in college.

“I was determined to improve my writing skills," Aggen said, "and not only did the courses help, but the professors were very encouraging of my dream."

Austin’s Gift also gave Aggen the opportunity to give speeches and hold book signings at various churches and schools.

Aggen, also an avid Steve Martin fan, once tried to give him a copy of her book when attending one of his shows. “I tried, but I’m not sure if he ever got it,” she said with a laugh.

Lauren plans on receiving her bachelor’s degree in 2013, but “my plans for after college depend on my health,” she said.

She doesn’t have set plans to write any more books, but she does like the speaking opportunities that Austin’s Gift has given her.

“I’ve been planning my wedding since I was 5 years old,” she laughed, “so I think I’d like to get married and have kids one day. But I’d also like to continue doing things with transplant awareness.”

Aggen has spoken at churches in both Algonquin and Crystal Lake, and she plans to speak at another event in Crystal Lake this October.

“My dream is to have my book made into a movie. And to have my dad to be played by Steve Martin,” she said jokingly.

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