VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) — A Valdosta mother is pleading for help after doctors told her she will have to undergo a heart transplant.

Alexiz Nathan, 29, has a rare heart condition called Ebstein anomaly, a congenital heart defect. Nathan said she was born with the condition, and earlier this year it began affecting her daily life.

Nathan said she also developed a second heart condition called arrhythmia, a disorder of the heart rate or rhythm caused by faulty electrical signals.

Nathan has already had multiple heart surgeries. Her last surgery was in 2018. Doctors say her only option now is a new heart.

Nathan said her heart currently beats at 20 percent capacity, 80 percent less than a healthy heartbeat. She has been placed on six different medications designed to help pump blood to her heart until she can undergo transplant surgery.

Nathan is a mother of two daughters. She said her heart condition, combined with raising her children, has made her daily life harder. Nathan is unable to work because her condition has slowed her down.

Nathan said she uses her creative talents to raise money, including selling lemonade with her daughters and selling breakfast plates.

Nathan said members of the Valdosta community have given her and her daughters a helping hand with donations. She said one church paid her rent for a month.

Nathan’s advice to others battling the same condition: don’t be afraid to ask for help.

“Trust in God, ask for help when you need help, and always pray,”

Nathan said she will attend a heart transplant class on Monday, Aug. 24. The class will determine whether she is eligible to be placed on the heart transplant list.

Nathan has created a GoFundMe in hopes of raising money to support her heart transplant journey and other expenses, since she is unable to work full-time. Those who would like to donate can donate here.

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