Transplant recipient scales Yosemite monolith

Thirteen years ago, Kelly Perkins underwent a heart transplant because of cardiomyopathy. Her new heart has been taking her to great heights ever since.

About 10 months after the surgery, Perkins completed her first ascent up the easier back side of Yosemite's Half Dome monolith. Climbs such as this are difficult for the average Joe, but for someone who is a transplant survivor it's even more monumental. Transplanted hearts usually lack vital nerve connections to the brain which help the body realize when muscles need more oxygen. Perkins doctor feels that intense exercise may have helped rebuild some of those lost connections so the body has at least a partial response.

Post-transplant, Perkins has scaled many famous climbs including Mount Kilamanjaro, the Matterhorn, and Mount Fuji. Her recent climb up the more difficult front side of Yosemite's Half Dome is a fitting close to a now complete circle. Though, with drive and spirit like Perkins', I imagine she'll be climbing again soon.