SHE’S GOT HEART

KAREN KOCH CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS OF A RENEWED LIFE STORY BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI PHOTOS BY LUIS CHAVEZ SHE’S GOT Heart

As the mother of two children, Karen Koch was fatigued and didn’t think much about it. Her husband was working out of town, and she chalked up chest congestion to a recent flu. She eventually saw her doctor and was shocked by what she heard: “You need a heart transplant.” The Pasadena native was startled.

“I had two little kids to raise,” she says about her daughter and son, who were 11 and 6, then, respectively. “I didn’t have time to go through that.”

Koch was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart’s ability to pump blood is decreased because the heart’s main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, is enlarged and weakened.

The then 39-year-old mother decided to forgo a heart transplant and hope she would recover. After her health started slipping in 2011, she accepted a heart on January 14, 2015.

February 14 is National Donor Day. National Donor Day is a time to focus on all types of donation – organ, eye, tissue, blood, platelets and marrow –by participating in blood/marrow drives or donor registration events. It is also a day to recognize our loved ones who have given the gift of donation, have received a donation, are currently waiting or did not receive an organ in time.

In 2019, 135 women received heart transplants in California, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), compared to 120 in 2018. The number of men is triple that—331—in 2019 and 313 in 2018.

OneLegacy is the nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives through organ, eye and tissue donation in the seven-county greater Los Angeles area. With more than 215 hospitals, 11 transplant centers and a population of nearly 20 million, OneLegacy is the largest organ, eye and tissue recovery organiza- tion in the world.

Media relations specialist Tania Llavaneras says OneLegacy also works to educate the public and encourage them to register as donors. Lla- vaneras and Koch met when the transplant recipient was on the Donate Life float in the Rose Bowl Parade.

“She was one of the honorees,” Llavaneras says of Koch. “She was on the year 14 float. It’s an amazing opportunity. The Rose Parade is the ultimate event. We do it to share this important message of donation. OneLegacy is one of the 58 organ procurement sta- tions in the nation.

“Thanks to someone saying yes to donation, Karen is here.”

DELAYED SURGERY

When Koch initially fell ill, her doctor told her to come to her office immediately. She underwent an EKG and the doctor said she was “having a heart attack right then and there.” Her heart was failing, and her lungs filled up with fluid.

“My husband also works in the medical field, so she called him,” she

says. “He knew exactly what she was talking about.” Koch immediately went to the hospital. “I said, ‘But I have to get my kids.’ My in-laws were watching them,” she says. “The doctor said, ‘No, you don’t have time to get your kids. You need to go to the hospital now.’ That’s how it was all unveiled.”

“My lungs had filled up with fluid. I thought it was just from being stressed and overworked. I never once thought it was my heart. I thought maybe it was pneumonia or bronchitis because I had gotten the flu.”

Koch was admitted on Valentine’s Day 2001. She was transferred to UCLA to start a transplant evaluation.

“I was just in disbelief,” she says. “I didn’t understand what was happening. I was just listening, but I wasn’t comprehending.”

Instead, Koch took a leap of faith that her cardiologists could help her. With medication and three implantable defibrillators, Koch saw her children grow up and spent time coaching her daughter’s cheer team.

“I received a call in 2001 that there was a heart available,” she says. “Prior to that, they told me I could turn down the heart if I wanted to. And I did because I was feeling stable enough at that time. They weren’t happy with my decision, but I felt at that time it was a good decision for me. I was able to hold on to my existing heart for 14 more years before I had to go down that road.

“Those 14 years weren’t easy,” she says. In 2011, things changed. Her heart was weakening and two years later, her cardi- ologist said it was time to start the heart transplant evaluation again. In July 2014, she was listed for a transplant.

“My old heart gave me a great life,” Koch says. “I was able to see both of my kids graduate high school, my daughter graduate from college and also see her get married. “But I started feeling like everything was changing in 2011. I was declining very slowly. They wanted to get me on the list before I fell off. I was so sick.” Still, it was a tough process. “I was waiting for that call and making sure my phone was charged,” Koch says. “Then I wasn’t sleeping well at night because I was worried I was going to miss the call. The crazy thing is they called my landline. I had no idea that was the line they were going to call on.”

Koch was at home with her husband, Chris, when she received “the call.” She needed a minute—just a minute. Koch asked her husband what she should do. “I said yes and then they (the doctors) said to come on in,” Koch says. The family then traveled to Cedars-Sinai Hospital. “My daughter and son-in-law followed us. We just waited for updates throughout the entire evening.”

Since her transplant, she’s been able to create more memories, despite being wrought with infections.

“I feel better now than I have in such a long time,” says Koch, whose children are now 30 and 25. “I’m doing things I never thought I would be able to do.”

Thanks to her transplant, Koch has walked in 5Ks. She can also travel to support the racecar career of her 25-year-old son, Kenton. Kenton has partnered with Donate Life America to bring awareness to the importance of being a registered organ, eye and tissue donor.

“I’m thrilled I could witness his success,” Koch says. “A year ago, I would never have thought I could travel to cheer him on. I will be forever grateful to my donor and her family and for the decision she made to be a registered organ donor. I would not be here today if it wasn’t for her. She has given me a second chance at life. I have not met the family yet, but I hope one day I am able to.”

Her 30-year-old daughter, Kelly Chakerian, is the mother of her four grandchil- dren.

She hasn’t met her donor’s family, even though she sent a couple of letters letting them know how much she appreciates their decision. All she knows is the donor was a 20-year-old woman.

“As a mom, my heart literally just broke that they lost their daughter,” Koch says. “I don’t know what the circumstances were. The doctors have said, most likely, even if transplant recipients do reach out to the families, they may not always hear from them. “I just want them to know how grateful I am to them every day they made that decision.”

INDULGING IN THE Finer Things

ELEGANT CHOCOLATE BERRY TRIFLE WITHOUT ALL THE FUSS STORY BY EMILY CHAVEZ | PHOTOS BY LUIS CHAVEZ

Whether you are spending the season of love with your closest friends, at a romantic homemade dinner for two or enjoying your own company, this chocolate berry trifle is sure to keep things sweet. Rich, decadent chocolate cake dives your tastebuds straight into the good stuff. Stacked with a tart layer of juicy berry and layered with fluffy homemade whipped cream, this treat is as beautiful as it is delicious to eat. To rev up the romance of this dessert, opt for a wine glass to serve as a sultry display. Better than icing on a cake, place a gold leaf on top of this succulent display to add a special touch.

CHOCOLATE BERRY TRIFLE SERVES 4 PREP TIME 35 MINUTES. TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR.

CHOCOLATE CAKE 1 CUP WHITE SUGAR 1 CUP FLOUR 1/3 CUP CACAO POWDER 3/4 TEASPOON BAKING POWDER 3/4 TEASPOON BAKING SODA 1/4 TEASPOON SALT 1 LARGE EGG 1/2 CUP MILK 1/4 CUP CANOLA OIL 3/4 TEASPOON VANILLA EXTRACT COMBINE DRY INGREDIENTS AND THEN INCORPORATE WET INGRE- DIENTS UNTIL SMOOTH. BAKE IN A BUTTERED AND FLOURED 9-INCH ROUND CAKE PAN FOR 30 MINUTES AT 350 DEGREES, OR UNTIL IN- SERTED TOOTHPICK COMES OUT CLEAN. LET CAKE COOL.

WHIPPED CREAM 1/2 CUP HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM 1 TABLESPOON SUGAR USING A BOWL AND WHISK THAT HAS BEEN CHILLED IN THE FREEZER FOR 10 MINUTES, WHISK INGREDIENTS TOGETHER UNTIL STIFF PEAKS FORM. BERRIES 4 OUNCES OF STRAWBERRIES 3 OUNCES OF RASPBERRIES WASH, DICE AND GENTLY MIX BERRIES TOGETHER.

ASSEMBLY CRUMBLE CAKE AND BEGIN LAYERING WITH BERRIES, CHOCOLATE CAKE, BERRIES, WHIPPED CREAM, CHOCOLATE CAKE, WHIPPED CREAM, AND BERRY TOPPING. GARNISH AS DESIRED.

ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Since 1998 Times Media Group has been a locally owned news and entertainment media company. Fast forward to today and TMG is now one of the largest print and digital media companies in the Southwest. With this level of growth and expansion we need to add to our multi-media sales team.

Times Media Group is seeking an experienced advertising account executive. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced advertising sales professional. TMG has grown significantly as a result of its great professional team, and its well-known print and digital media platforms, including the Pasadena Weekly and Arroyo Magazine.

WHAT WE NEED

Two years of outside advertising sales experience is preferred. A good candidate for this position is financially motivated, possesses exceptional organizational skills and is ready to embrace a real opportunity to work on a quality team.

An ideal candidate will be familiar with the San Gabriel Valley area including Pasadena, Alhambra, Altadena, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena and the surrounding areas.

We are seeking an individual who can sell solutions not just ads, who appreciates straight-talk, and is hardworking, motivated, and values working in a positive team environment.

WHAT WE OFFER

+ Base Pay + Commission + Health Benefits + 401(k) + Paid Vacations and Holidays

If, based on the requirements, you are a qualified candidate and would like to join a quality team and get on with your future, respond with your resume and a cover letter outlining why you believe you are a good fit for the position. We are currently scheduling interviews.

Times Media Group offers a positive work environment, great product line and a significant opportunity for income growth.

Times Media Group: Times Media Group is a digital and print media company that operates in the Phoenix, Tucson, San Diego and Los Angeles markets. It serves a wide variety of demographic audiences and communities.

Smarty

JONES A h, the Lemon Drop—a misunderstood, maligned cocktail that seems too candy sweet. But when it’s balanced and comprised of proper ingredients, it can be a simple-yet-effective cocktail pairing with a surprising diversity of foods. Since 1922 the Derby restaurant near Santa Anita has been an Arcadia tradition, before or after a race. In addition to a bevy of wines, it offers a solid cocktail menu. Large red booths with brick-lined walls, and ample photos and paintings of horses give this a clubhouse feel. It’s old-school inside, a throwback to a more formal era, but also comforting. The balance of sweet, acidity and a mild sourness from the sweet and sour mix is evident in the Derby’s take on the Drop, which it calls Smarty Jones. It keeps it linear and not too sweet. The Cointreau also adds viscosity. Have this with the halibut fish and chips, rosemary chicken, or Bananas Foster for dessert. Though this calls for a rimmed glass with sugar, that ends up putting the sweetness over the top. Consider keeping it simple, or add a garnish of fresh basil to bring out an herbal note. STORY AND PHOTO BY MICHAEL CERVIN

Ingredients

2 OUNCES ABSOLUTE CITRON VODKA 1/2 OUNCE COINTREAU 1 OUNCE MR. & MRS. T SWEET AND SOUR MIX SQUEEZE OF FRESH LEMON JUICE SUGAR (FOR GARNISH) LEMON RIND (FOR GARNISH)

Method

ASSEMBLE YOUR CALENDAR COMPILED BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE

California International Antiquarian Book Fair February 7 to February 9: More than 150 booksellers from over 30 countries will come together at the Pasa- dena Convention Center to buy and sell rare books, manuscripts, autographs, graphics, photographs and print ephemera. This year’s “Women’s Suffrage in the United States” theme focus will encompass various special exhibits, including one highlighting the move- ment’s 100-year anniversary with related panels and seminars. Tickets range from $15 to $25. The Pasa- dena Convention Center is located at 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena. Visit cabookfair.com for more information.

Los Angeles Fine Print Fair (LAFPF)

February 8 and February 9: For 33 years LAFPF has focused exclusively on original fine art prints, making it the longest-running fair of its kind in the area. This year, the festival—hosted at the Sheraton Pasadena Ho- tel from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.—will have works from upand-coming artists to more historic printers like Dürer and Rauschenberg. All dealers are vetted experts in their fields, and most are members of the International Fine Print Dealers Association. The Sheraton Pasadena Hotel is located at 303 Cordova Street, Pasadena. Visit losangeles-fineprintfair.com for more information.

Celebrating the Legacy of the Spitzer Space Telescope

February 11, February 12, February 13: In celebration of the Spitzer Space Telescope’s accomplishments, the California Institute of Technology will host a confer- ence addressing what these landmarks mean for the future of space exploration. The conference will high- light how the telescope is specifically shaping the field of astrophysics. Event attendance will be capped at 150 participants. The Hameetman Auditorium is located at 216 E. California Boulevard, Pasadena. Visit ipac. caltech.edu for more information.

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I Do! An Event for the Stylish Bride

February 16: An experience for brides and vendors, this bridal show has remained one of the most popular in the area for the last 10 years. Just in time for those with spring weddings in mind, the show features vendors with everything to showcase from locations to décor and dresses. With attendance numbers expected to be higher than ever, it is strongly recommended that attendees take an Uber or carpool to the event. Tickets are $40 to $50. The Langham Huntington is located at 1401 S. Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena. Visit fancythatevents.com for more information.

Clear Lake Gem, Jewelry and Mineral Show

February 22 and February 23: Hobbyists, collectors and vendors will come together at the Pasadena Convention Center to explore vari- ous natural specimens in settings. From tools, raw materials, books, mineral and fossil specimens and jewelry, the fair will serve as a medium to purchase rare stones as well as educational opportunities to learn more about the creation of precious gems and fossils. There will also be special demonstrations of lapidary and jewelry work, door prizes and activities for the entire family to enjoy. Tickets are $7 for adults (valid for both days of the show) and $3 for students in grades six through 12. Children and scouts in uniform get in free. The Pasadena Convention Center is located at 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena. Visit clgms.org for more information.

Chris Waller Heart of a Champion Gymnastics Tournament

February 28: To “build hearts of champions,” this USA Gymnastics-sanctioned women’s competition works to raise funds for Camp del Corazon, a summer camp for children with heart disease. The competition hosts athletes aged 5 to 18 from all over the country. Tickets for specta- tors range from $10 to $25 for children, $12 to $25 for military member with a valid ID, $12 to $25 for seniors (62+) and $16 to $35 for adults. The Pasadena Convention Center is located at 300 .E Green Street, Pasadena. Visit heartofa- championinvitational.com for more information.

Fiddling Frog Dance Festival

February 28, February 29, March 1: The annual dance festival is back right on cue with a week- end filled with contra dancing. The weekend will feature live performances from Wake Up Robin, Uncle Farmer, Frannie Marr, Lindsey Dono and Noah Grunzweig. Contra dances include those with gender-neutral role terms, medleys with bands and callers, techno contra with alternative music and various others. Tick- ets are $175 for the weekend. For those younger than 30, an $85 ticket in exchange for a youth work scholarship is available upon request on a first-come, first-served basis. The Pasadena Masonic Temple is located at 200 S. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena. Visit caldancecoop.org for more information.

LA Beer & Graffiti Festival

February 29: Drink, draw, mix and mingle at this one-of-a-kind event. With more than 40 craft beers available for unlimited taste test- ing, live music, lawn games, an opportunity to meet local graffiti artists and the option to tag a wall yourself, this event is one thousands look forward to every year. Wear a white shirt and bring a marker to have others tag you and tag them back. Food is available for purchase at the event. The Rose is located at 245 .E Green Street, Pasadena. Visit rockthefork.com for more information.