MACON, Ga. — Nine years after receiving a heart transplant that saved her life, Laura Underwood of Macon is preparing for an emotional reunion with the family of her donor, an Arkansas woman named Kersha.

Underwood, who lived most of her life with a hereditary heart condition, remembers the day of her transplant surgery with remarkable clarity and optimism.

"You know, most people might have been like terrified or scared, but I was so excited because I knew this was my chance of life," Underwood said.

The call that changed everything came from Emory transplant clinic, though Underwood initially hung up in disbelief.

"The lady on the other end of the phone answered by saying Emory transplant clinic. And I freaked, so I just hung up the phone," she said.

The recent connection with Kers

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