Every Beat Is a Blessing: Bellevue Woman Marks One Year with New Heart

At three years old, Kim Castellano made Nebraska medical history as the first child in the state—and one of the first in the nation—to receive a pacemaker. Nearly 60 years and more than 30 surgeries later, the Bellevue grandmother recently reached a remarkable milestone: 1 year with a new heart.

Last Halloween, Kim received a heart transplant made possible by XVIVO’s organ preservation technology, which allowed her donor heart to travel farther and remain viable longer than traditional methods. The procedure gave her a second chance at life—a gift she says she honors every day.

On Friday, October 24, Kim hosted her “BOO-tiful Heart Celebration” at DJ’s Dugout in Bellevue to thank her family & friends, donor, and medical team. The gathering was filled with laughter, tears, and gratitude as friends and relatives reflected on how far she has come.

“It feels amazing,” Kim said. “I was simply overwhelmed by the number of people who came out to support me. The most special part was holding my newest grandbaby that morning and realizing that because of the gift I received, I’m here to hold her today.”

A Lifetime of Courage and Faith

Kim’s story is one of perseverance, guided from childhood by a mother who refused to let illness define her daughter’s life. “My mom taught me that I could have a normal life, even if it might be short,” Kim recalled. “She told the doctors I should have every opportunity any other healthy child would have—and I honestly didn’t realize how sick I was.”

Defying countless medical odds, Kim went on to marry, raise two daughters, and enjoy a 32-year career in education, much of it as a school administrator. When her health forced her to retire, she found new purpose working at Children’s Nebraska, the very hospital where her journey began. “It let me give back to those who once saved me,” she said.

The Gift of a Perfect Match

When Kim’s health declined again, her rare antibodies made it difficult to find a compatible donor—she matched with only about 4 to 6 percent of available hearts. XVIVO’s advanced organ-preservation technology expanded her chances, allowing her perfect match to come from much farther away.

“I truly believe that’s why I’m here today,” she said. “The surgeon told us the heart was a perfect match.”

Each morning now begins with gratitude. “I thank my donor and celebrate each step I take,” Kim said. “Simple things like walking through the zoo, rocking my grandchildren, or watching sports with my family are miracles.”

A Legacy of Progress and Gratitude

Over six decades, Kim has witnessed heart care evolve from early pacemakers to advanced robotic surgeries and long-distance organ preservation. “Heart technology has come a long way,” she said. “In the past, options were limited and often invasive. Now, care is more personalized and proactive than ever before.”

Her message to others facing serious health challenges is simple but powerful: “Never give up.”

“Even in the darkest moments, hold tight to the belief that healing and hope are possible,” she said. “Surround yourself with people who lift you up. Every heartbeat, every breath, every step is a testament to resilience—and your story is still unfolding.”

As Halloween approached this year, Kim was looking forward to walking the neighborhood with her grandchildren—something that, just a short time ago, seemed impossible. “Because of my donor’s selfless gift,” she said, “I’m living fully and honoring this incredible gift with every beat of my heart.”