Opening the Heart to Compassion

In 2013, due to complications from a congenital heart defect, Marla Levy had to undergo three open heart surgeries in just 16 days. After her second surgery, her heart didnÕt resume beating on its own for almost a week. During that time, she was put on a machine that takes over the function of the heart and lungs. Unfortunately, one of the common side effects is acute kidney failure. MarlaÕs kidneys shut down, and she was placed on dialysis 24 hours a day. Battling triple organ failure and fighting an infection, Marla was put into an induced coma as her family and friends prayed for her and as her medical team fought to keep her alive. And, stay alive she did. On the other side of this experience Marla is forever changed. She did not just stay alive. Rather, she learned how to truly be alive. During her time in the hospital, she experienced more than one ÒSpiritually Transformative ExperienceÓ; experiences that profoundly shifted her awareness, her priorities and her appreciation for the purpose of her life. Today, MarlaÕs priorities in life are deeply shaped by a commitment to extending compassion to all those she meets Ð particularly if she senses they are suffering.