MODEL BEC FOLLOWS HER HEART
GOLD Coast model Bec Craven has always lived life by following her heart.
But only two years ago doctors had to give her a new one after she was struck down by a mystery virus after a trip to Bali in 2013, which meant her own heart eventually failed and she required an artificial pump to survive.
The 28-year-old Currumbin local now proudly bares the scars from her heart transplant and teaches others about the importance of organ donation and positive body image.
“I definitely want to write a book ... and be a motivational speaker,” said Ms Craven, who is back working as a model. “I would also like to participate in the (Australian) Transplant Games on the Gold Coast after the (Commonwealth) Games.”
Last year Ms Craven visited the US and went on a rollercoaster ride at Disneyland. For a heart transplant recipient, it was a big deal.
“It is also just the normal day-to-day stuff that I can do now ... going to the beach for a swim,” she said. “I (also) want to encourage people, if they want to be an organ donor, to speak with their families and register online.
“I didn’t have a quality of life but I’ve been given an amazing gift to have a second chance.”