LOUISBURG, N.C. –  After living most of her life with a debilitating heart defect, Karen Rosner has enjoyed her new lease on life.

 

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She decided that jumping out of an airplane would be the perfect way to celebrate the second anniversary of her heart transplant.

 

“I’m able to enjoy life and I don’t have to be on the sidelines,” said Rosner. “That’s how I was all my life.”

 

Since her transplant, Karen has been a passionate advocate for organ donation. 

 

“I’m hoping that they get the message that if they are a donor, or are thinking about becoming a donor, it works,” said Rosner. “I’m living proof.”

 

Rosner and representatives from Carolina Donor Services were recruiting donors at Carolina Sky Sports on Sunday afternoon in Louisburg while she waited for her turn to jump.   Her story inspired several people to sign up. 

 

“It brings what we hope for most, which is awareness of organ and tissue donation,” said Kirsten Wright, of Carolina Donor Services. “One organ donor can potentially save up to eight lives and a tissue donor can enhance or save the lives of up to 50 people.”

 

Despite a passing thunderstorm, Karen’s jump went without a hitch.   She even stuck her landing.   A small crowd of friends was on hand to help her celebrate and her niece even jumped with her. 

 

“I just want people to know that even if you have a transplant of any sort, you’re not going to be disabled and you don’t have to sit on the sidelines,” said Rosner. “You can enjoy life, and I enjoy it to the fullest.”