Jessica Melore
Adversity: Suffered a heart attack, organ failure, amputation, and cancer
Advocacy: Became a public health advocate & international motivational speaker on overcoming adversity
“I try to live my life to the fullest, to be an example that people can look to. I can show them not only how to live a normal life, but an extraordinary life.”
Jessica received her heart transplant just in time to attend Princeton University, and was named one of Glamour magazine’s Top 10 College Women of 2002 for her advocacy work on behalf of organ donation, heart disease, disability and cancer awareness. She is an original founding member/board member of Harboring Hearts, a non-profit that provides assistance to heart patients and their families during a time of need. As a board member of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, she shares her story to raise funds for life-saving research, speaks at conferences for patients and medical professionals, and has lobbied in Washington DC for improved access to medication. Having witnessed firsthand many fellow patients and friends who died while waiting for a transplant, she is very active in the organ and tissue donation community through Donate Life America and as a member the National Kidney Foundation’s transAction executive committee. She has also served as a spokesperson for the American Heart Association, highlighting the importance of women’s heart health. Jessica has written about her advocacy in several publications and hopes to continue utilizing this medium to expand her reach to others.
Advocacy Links
- Jessica Melore, Motivational Speaker
- “I Am Hope” video
- Harboring Hearts
- Jessica’s Facebook Page
- Jessica’s Twitter
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society