Omaha transplant patient gets surprise from Grey's Anatomy stars

Theres a special bond between the cast and crew of Greys Anatomy and a transplant patient at the Nebraska Medical Center.

Doctor appointments are nothing new for Aspen Wiederholt from Alta, Iowa. But the subtle sound, beating loud and clear from the machines at the Nebraska Medical Center is; its the sound of Aspens new, healthy heart.

Video: Young woman waiting for heart transplant gets unforgettable surprise

Ive had 13 surgeries, explains Aspen, who just turned 20. She was born with a congenital heart defect. Around this time last year, doctors told Aspen theyd exhausted every option they could to help her heart to function on its own.

Initially, I was in and out of the hospital five or six times from November to December, Aspen told KETV photojournalist Molly Miles. They finally did another cath and said, yeah, its time to be put on the transplant list.

For the next three months, Aspen and her family waited.

I didnt have any energy at all, said Aspen. I was very nervous. I couldnt eat. I was losing weight.

Her mother created a Facebook page, Aspens Army, to keep everyone updated and to share Aspens story. A newspaper in Spencer, Iowa published a story about Aspen, mentioning she was a big fan of ABCs medical drama, Greys Anatomy.

I actually just started watching Greys Anatomy while I was waiting for my heart, said Aspen. Im like, addicted to the show now.

Somehow, Aspens story and word of her love for the show got back to the cast and crew of Greys Anatomy. Production staff, even creator and producer Shonda Rhimes, emailed back and forth with Aspens mother. One day, Aspen received a big surprise in the mail.

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Omaha transplant patient gets surprise from Grey's Anatomy stars