We often hear of those "second chances" in life but the phrase is very rarely used with the true dignity and intention of its meaning. While we often exposed to clichés such as cherishing every breath and every heartbeat, I can proudly stand today and share my passion for life, my second chance at this beautiful journey knowing that it wasn't always like this; I once couldn't breathe without assistance.

My name is Marguerite Oelofse and six years ago I was fortunate enough to undergo a heart transplant that saved my life! I was nine years old when I found out that I had restrictive cardio myopathy, suffering from tiredness, coughing and shortness of breath. After getting pneumonia every year, my condition worsened to the point of not even being able to walk. Tests revealed that my heart was enlarged and the muscles had thickened resulting in blood not being properly pumped throughout my body. My life was in jeopardy! After 10 years of pain and struggle, I was finally blessed to receive a suitable heart donation. In the capable hands of Dr Susan Vosloo, who specializes in transplants for younger patients in Cape Town, I received miraculous intervention; a second chance at life.

When I was painfully cold and struggling to breathe, I would always hold on to the fact that there was hope. Even if at that moment it existed as a dream, that "one day" fantasy that would play over-and-over in my head and I knew that I had the strength to be a survivor! Today is that "one day" for me. I am now 23 and a healthy young woman with a passion for photography. I often relate that to the fact that it is an artform that allows for the capturing of life's special moments and the special people that live it; their spirit, heart and passion. I have just recently finished my studies at the Open Window School of Visual Communication, specializing in photography and am ready to take on the world and finish the journey I started out on!