Simply Rose

Keep it real. Be authentic. Be yourself. No message more clear when fifteen year-old Rose Naughtin takes the stage. Her story begins at the age of four when she received her first heart transplant. Fast forward to age twelve when she received a second transplant. The twist in the story is that you would never know these things by meeting her on the street or being in class. That’s because there is more to Rose than just her transplant story. Not that she discounts the life-saving transplants, but that she appreciates the life she has been given and chooses to live it fully alongside her friends and family.

Rose’s story was revealed to a theater full of high school students at Gift of Life’s Annual Life Savers Rally at Union Station. Sharing the stage with her was Julie Geraghty, a donor sister. Now twenty five, Julie lost her sister, Laura, in a car accident just a few short years ago. Their family was able to give the Gift of Life through Laura. From that perspective, Julie was able to ask Rose about her transplant.

Rose told Julie that she barely remembers the first transplant, just the aspect of being very sick and weak. She found out that she needed a second transplant
following a fainting spell on a school field trip. Students in the audience were curious about the anti-rejection medicine she takes three times a day and whether her physical activity is limited post transplant. She exhibited extensive knowledge of the biological processes that caused her to need a transplant, but emphasized that she is able to participate in all activities that she chooses.
When it comes to meeting other transplant recipients, Rose notes that they share a bond — a commitment to life. There is an unspoken grace about Rose. There doesn’t always have to be words. Her willingness to step on to center stage in order to help save lives and soften the pain for donor families gives her a sincerity worthy of her name — a true, authentic Rose.