After life-saving heart transplant, Brunswick Co. woman advocates for heart health

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY-TV) – February is American Heart Month and one Brunswick County woman is raising awareness about heart disease after undergoing a heart transplant.

In October 2025, Debbie Fenyak began experiencing shortness of breath and quickly sought medical attention at Novant Health.

She previously received four stents and a pacemaker before finding out she would need a heart transplant. Fenyak anticipated spending months on a transplate list, but within weeks, received a transplant in November 2025.

Now, she’s recovering and grateful for her new heart.

“I know what that family must be going through to lose somebody and I’m so thankful that they were willing to do this,” Fenyak said.

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women. Friday is Go Red for Women, a national initiative to bring awareness and close care gaps for women.