Jesse Torrence: Heart Transplant Survivor & Mindfulness Advocate

Jesse Torrence’s Inspiring Heart Transplant Journey

From Critical Illness to Mindful Recovery

At age 31, Jesse Torrence faced a life-threatening heart condition called giant cell myocarditis - a rare heart inflammation with extremely low survival rates. Dependent on a bypass machine, he awaited transplant surgery while demonstrating incredible resilience.

Key Moments in His Medical Journey:

• Diagnosed after initially presenting with pneumonia symptoms
• Spent 6 weeks in a medically induced coma
• Underwent 2 major surgeries (suffered a stroke during one procedure)
• Received a life-saving heart transplant
• Battled post-transplant infections during 4-month recovery

The Power of Mindfulness During Recovery

Torrence credits his mindfulness practice as a crucial factor in his recovery:

"I was thinking, if this woman stayed with me through all of this—and danced with me while I was hooked to a machine—what more did I need?"

This profound moment of gratitude led him to propose to his partner Oana Cheta, whom he married after recovery.

Founding Minds, Inc.: Bringing Mindfulness to Schools

Transforming Personal Experience Into Social Impact

After surviving his heart transplant experience, Torrence expanded his work with mindfulness education:

• Originally worked with Inward Bound Mindfulness Education (iBme)
• Founded Minds, Inc. as a sister organization
• Focused on bringing mindfulness programs to Washington, DC-area schools

Current Impact of Minds, Inc.

Metric	Impact
Schools Served	20+
Students Reached	~3,000
Teachers Trained	500
Parents Engaged	600

Key Success Factors:
- 100% word-of-mouth growth (no marketing budget)
- Highly selective instructor training process
- Focus on sustainable, community-driven expansion

Lessons in Resilience and Gratitude

Torrence's story demonstrates:
1. The power of mindfulness during health crises
2. How gratitude practice aids recovery
3. Transforming personal trauma into community service
4. The importance of social support systems in healing

Now fully recovered, Torrence continues to advocate for mindfulness education while appreciating his second chance at life.