Surviving to Advocating

CKF Ambassador - Sherrell Gay’s Heart & Kidney Transplant Journey

Sherrell Gay is a two-time heart and kidney transplant recipient whose journey is a testament to faith, resilience, and the transformative power of organ donation. Her story began on her 38th birthday with what seemed like simple chest pain. It quickly escalated into a life-threatening condition—congestive heart failure—that would change her life forever.

After years of medication, implanted defibrillators, and life-altering hospital visits, Sherrell received her first heart transplant in 2002. Just weeks before her youngest daughter began college, she got the call that her heart was "on the way." With hymns, prayers, and surrounded by family, Sherrell faced her surgery with courage and gratitude. Within days, she was walking, laughing, and feeling more alive than she had in years.

Ten years later, complications led to a second transplant. This time, her donor provided both a heart and a kidney. After 18 hours of surgery and months of recovery, Sherrell emerged stronger than ever. Now 13 years post-transplant, her heart and kidney function remain perfect.

Today, Sherrell is a passionate advocate and mentor with the Georgia Transplant Foundation, LifeLink of Georgia, and Donate Life. She leads Team Georgia in the Transplant Games of America, where she inspires recipients nationwide. Her family—especially her husband Tony, her devoted caregiver of over 50 years, and her daughters—have stood by her side through every twist and turn.

Through every parade float, school visit, speaking engagement, and pin-trading adventure, Sherrell reminds us: being a transplant recipient is not just surviving—it’s thriving. And sharing that journey may be the spark that encourages someone to say “yes” to becoming a donor.

Sherrel is a CKF Ambassador working to educate individuals in her community. She is always one of the first to jump on board with a new project, from our Back to School Campaign to our Read & Register Campaign.