Macy’s Story
Macy Rose Stevens was diagnosed with complex heart defects at her twenty-week ultrasound.
Her congenital heart conditions included tricuspid atresia, transposition of the great arteries, and pulmonary stenosis. Throughout her early years, Macy bravely faced multiple open-heart surgeries—at one month old, six months old, and again at two years old.
Her journey culminated in a life-saving heart transplant on December 2, 2008.
At the age of 10, just ten months after her heart transplant, Macy made her first of many club volleyball teams.
Macy had a deep love for volleyball, and it quickly became one of her greatest passions. But her interests didn’t stop there—she also adored music, movies, and the beach. Hot summer days spent riding the waves in the Gulf were among her favorite memories.
Macy had a wanderlust spirit, always eager to travel and experience exotic places. She even had the incredible opportunity to swim with dolphins during one of her many adventures.
Her zest for life was contagious, and her love for exploring new places and creating memories left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.
In June of 2019, we embarked on a memorable Mediterranean cruise with Macy’s sisters, Sophia and Mia, her mom and dad, grandma Ann, and nine aunts, uncles, and cousins.
It was a joyful trip, full of laughter and cherished moments. But as the trip neared its end, Macy began to feel unwell. Upon our return to the States, we immediately took her to the hospital. The doctors delivered the heartbreaking news: Macy’s heart was failing.
On July 5th, in an effort to give her heart the best chance of recovery, Macy was sedated and placed on a ventilator. This was a critical moment in her journey, and we hoped that her body would gain the strength needed to fight and heal.
Macy fought to live her life to the fullest every single day, right up until she passed away on the morning of July 12, 2019—just seventeen days before her 21st birthday.
She was surrounded by a roomful of family and friends who loved her deeply, offering their support, love, and strength during her final moments. Macy’s spirit and legacy continue to live on in all the lives she touched, and her impact remains a guiding light for those who knew her.
Macy had a passion for animals, especially dogs.
Macy’s love for animals led her to find a job at a local dog grooming shop, where she dreamed of opening a chain of businesses that would combine dog grooming, a pet boutique, and a coffee café.
She was the proud owner of two golden doodles, Fozzy and Lulu, and she would often sneak them out of the house for some quiet time together. Her bond with her dogs and her passion for animals were evident in everything she did.
In honor of Macy’s spirit and her deep love for animals, we founded Macy’s Way—a foundation dedicated to supporting others through means like certified therapy animals and other resources that share the same passion for helping animals that Macy had.
To learn more about Macy’s journey, visit her Caring Bridge page.
Macy’s Way will work to achieve its mission in Macy's honor.
You can help us achieve this mission today.