Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1440729
COurtesy aMeriCaN Heart assOCiatiON Saint Luke's Hospital in Kansas City gives each heart transplant patient a number. When Brian Christianson of Bentonville received his donor heart in October of last year, he was given No. 879. "This number lives on our hearts and in the walls in our house," says Brian's wife, Lisa. "It represents the gift of life that was given and the reminder to live life to its fullest … and to pay forward the kindness [his heart donor] so graciously showed." Lisa has a tattoo of the number written in script on her forearm. The Christiansons are a loving couple and attentive parents. One rarely sees Lisa or Brian without the other. They're ever present at their children's school and sports activities. Son Reese is 14, and daughter Rielyn is 11. Brian Christianson was a health- conscious 45-year-old in the fall of 2020. His father died of a stroke at age 65, and Brian vowed to take care of himself and to live a longer, healthier life. Brian is a regular on the sideline at the kids' soccer games and enjoys kicking the ball around with them. He also stays fit by working out in the family's home gym and by riding a bike. To keep moving, he also plays golf and walks the Christiansons' dog, a Goldendoodle, "Dakota." Then, without warning, Brian had a heart attack on Oct. 12, 2020. Lisa knew immediately that something was wrong. (Lisa Christianson has been a long-time volunteer for the American Heart Association of Northwest Arkansas and is chairman of its board of directors.) "He came to the kitchen and told me he was having chest pains," says Lisa. "He walked back to our bedroom, and I could see instantly he was flushed and in severe pain as he began to lean over the bed." Lisa immediately called 911, and EMTs were at their home within minutes. The last thing Brian remembers was talking to Lisa, then laying down on their bed and closing his eyes. Brian & lisa Christianson: The day their lives were changed " " "in their darkest days, they made the decision to pay it forward, and for this second chance at life they will forever be in our thoughts and prayers." ~ Lisa Christianson 6 | yOu at yOur best | yOuatyOurbest.NWaONLiNe.COM February - Happy Heart | suNday, JaNuary 30, 2022