Ana Martinez

I was born with tricuspid atresia, a congenital heart defect that resulted in my life always consisting of hospital visits. However, things took a massive turn in late December 2010 when I was 13 years old; the heart God created for me didn’t work anymore. I was immediately placed on the UNOS list as I urgently needed a heart transplant. On Feb. 16, 2011, my nurse woke me up super early, telling me there was a heart available; I thought I was dreaming. I woke up excited, seeing my mom and the nurse smiling and being happy, but at the same time, my heart broke for the other child who had just lost their life. I wanted to be happy but I couldn’t fully. I recall crying in the restroom feeling some sort of guilt and remorse. Despite all that, I had to slowly accept that God has given me life; he has sent me an angel heart. So on February 17th, my angel’s heart beat once again, but this time beating for my soul as well.

Although my life continued, many new challenges arose in all aspects. My road has been very bumpy. I continued being hospitalized throughout my high school and college journey, with more downs than ups. There were countless times when I thought my road had reached a dead end – times where I thought my dreams were unachievable. However, my ultimate goal was to make my parents proud and make their sacrifices feel worthwhile. I became relentless for them, and I knew that I had to make my life purposeful.

I attended FSW as a dual enrolled student in high school to earn my AA. At this point, I was changing majors more frequently than changing a baby’s diaper, I went from Nursing to Biology, etc., and well you get it. I finally decided and applied to FSW nursing program and then COVID hit and life hit rock bottom again. I was in my third semester of nursing school and my physical, mental and emotional health was taking a toll on me. I had a panic attack and ended up in the ER. I tried my best to regain and recollect myself but time doesn’t wait for anyone. Academically, I failed out of nursing school; I hit another roadblock.

I was stunned, the only option available was to turn to God and beg for guidance; to help me pave my way out the abyss. So for about 18 months I gave myself an academic break and put in some time working at Immokalee High School and the Domestic Violence Shelter patiently waiting to get closer and trust God. I knew slow motion was still motion. Time passed and I knew I had to go out into the world and try again!

This time though, I was fully committed to have God lead me. And, he led me to reapply to nursing school again and other medical professions as I knew my craft fell in the medical field. Gratefully, he gave me an opportunity to move to Tallahassee and attend Tallahassee Community College. Fueled by the Holy Spirit, nursing school was a breeze. I of course found it academically challenging but physically, mentally and spiritually, I stood tall and strong. God really built a beautiful pavement for me, he taught me to trust and confide in him. He gave me salvation, so salvation is how I should serve. I was meant to be a nurse this entire time, I just didn’t see it; It just wasn’t at the time I intended. Thankfully I grew spiritually, it made me wiser.

All in all, I see all the blessings my God has given me. From the amazing nurses who braided my hair, painted my nails, laughed and played games with me, nurses who always cared for my family and I in our most difficult times, to YOU, who believe in the roots of Immokalee. After failing nursing school the first time, being hospitalized during my second time in nursing school and being told I might not be able to pass the semester due to medical reasons, after so many delays, I finally did it!

My graduation cap hold profound significance, not only because it was crafted my best friend who has supported me throughout this journey, but also, because I dedicated it to my heart donor, Elmer. Elmer is not physically present, but his spirit remains within me. On the cap you will notice a heart beat; this is an actual recording of Elmer’s heart beat from an EKG of 2011, taken just months after the heart was transplanted. He bestowed upon me the gift of life, enabling us to receive our nursing pin together and walk across the stage together. Elmer saved my life so I could help save others. I am eternally grateful to my donor family and all my loved ones. I also extend my deepest gratitude, once again to you, The Immokalee Foundation & the Guadalupe Center, for providing me with the opportunity to dedicate my life to love, care, and serve others in the field of nursing, as the Lord has asked me to do.

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