Rit on Tv - Ntid student helps a new generation of heart transplant recipients - Twc

Reporter>> Through the loss of her hearing, a dangerous infection at the age of six, and a strict regimen of more than 25 pills a day, Lauren has made it her mission to live life to the fullest. Aggen>> I'm a fighter. I'm not going to give up. Nat -Interpreter>> When talking with your parents, how well do your parents understand you most of the time? Reporter>>Through her continued studies at RIT's National Technical Institute for the Deaf, Nat - Aggen>> A little sign language with mostly speaking... Reporter>> Working three jobs during the summer and appearing in several school plays, Lauren has kept up a frenetic pace. But her true passion is sharing her story with others, something she first did as teenager when she wrote the book Austin's Gift. Aggen>>In my mind I've always named my donor "Austin". So in my mind there's a baby boy named Austin who died. And his heart is still beating in me. Reporter>>Despite the book's success Lauren never found her donor family. But two year ago she got the next best thing. Aggen>> I am going to Austin Texas and I am so excited! Reporter>>Moved by her story, the Texas School for the Deaf invited Lauren, and her mom Janet to the city she believes saved her life. Aggen>>A long time ago Austin gave me a gift. Now here I am giving a gift back to Austin. Reporter>>Lauren called it a "Heart Homecoming", the presentation of a lifetime. Aggen>>To me it felt like an Oscar winning moment. The fact that I was there to give a speech about my life story and how grateful I am made me proud of the person I am today. Reporter>>Reaching one of her dreams hasn't dampened her enthusiasm to give back. Aggen>>I got involved in volunteering at the red cross blood drive because I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for my blood donor. Reporter>>At 24, Lauren is already one of the longest surviving heart transplant recipients on record. Living proof, life is truly what you make of it. Purdy>> "When you go through a life experience like this you can't sit back and just be like "ugh". You have to get out there and jump at the world cause you have another life. Reporter>>It's an example, a gift; Lauren has spent her life sharing with others. Purdy>>Once he gets walking and talking and school age I'm sure I'll have a lot more questions to come. Reporter>>And whether he knows it or not... Simmons>> He's a ladies man... Reporter>> Blake is already getting the hang of it. Simmons>>Someday when he gets to Lauren's age Maybe he'll write a book. Or tell his story and we can tell it right along with him. Aggen>>Bye buddy! Bye! I hope you sleep well! I think Blake will do even better than me. He's such an inspiring boy and I can't wait to see him grow up. Reporter>> Casey Bortnick, Time Warner Cable News