Nikki Luederitz, a cardiac technician at Saint John’s Health Center, was a runner who enjoyed the rigorous demands of her chosen sport. At age 28, Luederitz collapsed while out on her usual run one day. Diagnosis revealed a rare congenital heart disease. What followed was an array of treatments, including a variety of medications, ablation, an implanted defibrillator—all to no avail.

Her disease continued to progress unabated, and she underwent two open heart surgeries. Nothing worked, and she was placed on the waiting list for a heart transplant

On her 34th birthday, Luederitz felt terrible, but went to work anyway because she enjoyed the company and support of the cardiac staff, many of whom had been involved in her treatments over the years. Soon after returning home that evening, exhausted, her transplant beeper went off.

“That was the best birthday present I ever received,” she said.

Luederitz underwent transplant surgery, but her body rejected her new heart six months later. She spent a few weeks in the ICU, but continued to decline. “I found myself back in the hospital and was maintained on cardiac drips as I waited for another heart to become available,” she said.

Two years after the first transplant, Luederitz received her second heart. “But it was very difficult,” she said. “I was hospitalized for months and had five surgeries.”

Eventually, Luederitz did recover and returned to her Saint John’s job as a cardiac technician.

“That’s when a number of seasoned nurses I had worked with for years encouraged me to train for a more expansive position in nursing,” she said. Luederitz received a scholarship from Saint John’s Nursing Endowment Fund and entered a new program at UCLA School of Nursing that allowed her to obtain both her RN license and a master’s degree.

With her education completed this year, Luederitz now works as a cardiac nurse in the post-critical care unit. “I certainly understand from the inside out what my patients are going through, and it is an honor to serve them,” she said. “And what a joy it is to be working with this wonderful group of Saint John’s colleagues who have supported me all these years.”

For the last 12 years, Luederitz has spent her summers volunteering at Camp del Corazon in Catalina, which provides an outdoor experience for children with heart disease. “I first got involved as a way to stop worrying about myself,” she said. “It’s so wonderful to be able to help these children experience typical summer camp despite their complex cardiac issues.” ?

For more information, call 1-800-STJOHNS or visit www.heart.newstjohns.org