After Heart Transplant, New York Mom Finds Love in Cardiac Unit on Valentine's Day: 'Don't Ever Give Up' (Exclusive)

• Christine and Kendell Paul were both of a heart patient when they met on Valentine’s Day 2022 at a New York hospital
• Although they hit him, they were in other relationships at the time; Months later they were free and went to the first meeting
• They got married in December 2024 and “have been inseparable since then”

Christine Paul remembers her thoughts in April 2018 while leaving the hospital cardiology unit after the implant for the help of left clients (LVAD). Although her life was extended – Lvad was now helping her heart – she was worried. “Who will love me?” He remembers. “No one.”

At the age of 37, the Queens graduate student, New York, was afraid he would end up alone.

“When you are sick, imagine,” I’ll find someone, I’ll fall in love with me – and then you could lose in the end – or they could end up with his guardian. “And who will want that?”

Lvad ended up as a temporary solution to his heart problems. From 29 years she knew she had genetic cardiomyopathy and that she would eventually need a heart transplant. In May 2021, she had a procedure at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York.

But almost a year later in February 2022, Christine ended up in a cardiotoracal ICU with an infection after having pneumonia.

Christine and Kendell Paul.

The kindness of Christine and Kendell Paul

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While recovering, the nurse asked Christine if she would talk to another patient. Although it happened that Valentine’s Day, the request was not unusual: Christine often talked to other patients who received LVAD or heart transplants to provide support and encouragement.

“It’s important to share your story with others, because you never know where you can help, you never know where you could lift someone’s spirit, put a smile on your face,” says Christine, now 44 years. “Go through something.”

It was her way of thinking as she walked into the Kendell Paul room, now 42 years, which received her own LVAD device. The first thing she noticed was his height – and how well she matches her. She is 6’1 “and he is 6’3”.

She learned more about Kendell’s story. The plumber, he noticed that he lacked the stairs to climb. He thought he had a Coid, but soon learned that the symptoms were caused by an increased heart – he was in heart failure. He admitted to Christine that he was nervous about getting his Lvad.

Christine and Kendell Paul.

The kindness of Christine and Kendell Paul

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The two continued to talk and found that they had a lot in common: both parents were two boys, and their youngest sons were called Noah.

They exchanged numbers, but they were in other relationships. After release, they would occasionally send or have short phone calls to offer each other support.

By November that year, their lives have changed. They were both free, so Kendell suggested that they go out for dinner. Their first meeting was December 2, 2022.

“We have been inseparable since then,” Christine says. “Everything just fits.”

Over time, they learned of more similarities among them. Kendell was born in Trinidad, and also Christina’s mother. They love trivial and examining each other about state capital. They enjoy travel and visited Houston, New Orleans, Atlantic City and Trinidad and Tobago.

All the time, their lives became intertwined. She took him to work. They shared the bills and followed each other to medical meetings (Kendell may need a heart transplant in the future). Then they moved together.

Christine and Kendell Paul.

The kindness of Christine and Kendell Paul

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Kendell says she appreciates Christina’s personality and how smart she is. “She’s yin for my yang,” he says. She’s talkative, he’s quiet. “Rarely goes things to tomorrow – as I usually do. It helps to have like that. She is very caring. She is very thoughtful.”

Christine knew how special he was. “I met someone who cares about me, who I feel like I’m the only girl in the room.”

Kendell wanted to get married immediately. “What are we waiting for?” he says.

He recalls that he feels the same. “Everything is just intertwined and fast,” she says.

They got married on December 8, 2024.

“It was such a nice day,” Christine says. “What I will remember the most was when we said our vow:” In illness and health. ”

“What two people understand what it means [more than we do]?? ”

Although any of them could get sick, Kendell says it can happen to any couple, in any relationship. “So if it feels good – do it, don’t be afraid.”

Because of Kendell’s health, he can no longer work as a plumber. He returned to school and became a certified phlebotomist and an ECG technician, and now works as a care technology for patients at the Rehabilitation Hospital. Christine works for a non -profit Liveonny, advocating for organ donation and helping families decide to donate organs.

They spend all their time together and share everything. Have the same passwords on their phones. “No hiding,” Christine says. “We cook together, we clean together, there is nothing we separate.” She works from home on his days of free job. He sits beside her, while she works.

Christine and Kendell Paul.

The kindness of Christine and Kendell Paul

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Their entire health team at North Shore University Hospital was delighted with the beating that the meeting had happened on Valentine’s Day.

“We just couldn’t be happier for them,” says their advanced cardiologist for heart failure and transplantation, Dr. Lauren B. Cooper, director of heart failure, Northwell Health North Shore University Hospital.

“Find a new love and a new relationship – that’s why we’re doing it – because we want people to have it. We take care of the sweetest patients to hope that they will eventually come to the clinic and talk about their holidays and their grandchildren and the lives who live, “she says.

“Many people get LVAD and many people get transplants – and so they have found support in each other and now live this common life is really inspiring.”

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Source: HIS Education