Fran’s COVID-19 Vaccine Story

Franchesker Scott

Heart Transplant Patient Advocate

“You matter. Your voice matters. You have a right to feel the way you feel. I would challenge anyone to do your research, talk to your team, and ask any and all questions. Develop an action plan and get vaccinated.”

Franchesker Scott received a heart transplant at the age of 34 in 2014. Since her transplant, the Dallas native has spent her time advocating for organ donation.

Once the COVID-19 outbreak began in March of 2020, Fran’s world, much like everyone else’s, turned upside down. Fran “limited her footprint” by self-isolating in her home for several months. “I felt really isolated as a transplant recipient and I didn’t want to do anything that would put myself at risk,” said Fran.

“But then, there was hope. There was light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel with the vaccine.” As more information about the COVID-19 vaccines became available, Fran did her research. “I was hesitant at first. People in Black community have the right to be skeptical,” said Fran. She set up an appointment with her transplant team at Baylor Scott and White Health to talk about her concerns. At this appointment, Fran asked her transplant team questions about the vaccine, how vaccines work, and what to do if she had side effects. “I got comfortable about receiving the vaccine because I did my own research and formulated an action plan together with my team,” said Fran.

On January 30th, 2021, Fran received her first dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine at her hospital. “I was not scared going into my vaccine appointment. It was exciting and it gave me hope for myself and others.” Her vaccine symptoms were minimal. “I had a sore arm and some fatigue,” she recalled.

Since receiving both doses of the vaccine, Fran has shared her COVID-19 vaccine journey as transplant recipient on her social media platforms and continues to promote the vaccine to her friends, family, and followers. As a transplant recipient, she believes the choice to get vaccinated is one of the many ways she has honored her donor. “I had the responsibility to make this decision for myself and my family to honor my donor and donor family who gave me a second chance at life.