5 Questions With: Melody Pierson

Posted June 9, 2009, 1:33 pm in Conditions & Diseases
Credit Katy Widrick

Most of us would consider 51 middle age. But for Melody Pierson, it was almost the end of her life. The busy mother of two found herself on oxygen 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while waiting for a double-lung transplant. She occupied her time with yoga, working out and learning new hobbies.

Spurred by her philosophy: “you just keep going, keep it up, concentrate on growing stronger, physically, emotionally and always be generous of spirit and time for others who may be in need,” Melody made it through the surgery a better, bolder woman.


Just four months after the transplant, Melody composed and sang for the Notre Dame Hospital Research Foundation for Thoracic Surgery at a gala that attracted 500 people. Two months after that, she was back riding horses, her true passion.

Now, Melody is riding five days a week, running a Web business and hosting a weekly radio show.

She's Growing Bolder, and we knew she'd have some great insight for our 5 Questions With series!

1. What does Growing Bolder mean to you? How are you fighting ageism and smashing stereotypes in your own life?

I'm a lover not a fighter so I don't fight ageism or bother myself with people's ideas of stereotypes. Pigeonholes are for pigeons... I embrace my life with every moment.

2. Describe the biggest challenge you currently face, and how you're tackling it. What lessons have you learned that you think others can benefit from?

My biggest challenge is being responsible for all my medication and following all the rules after a double lung transplant while working it into a nice flowing day. I have learned that life is for living and playing a vital role in your experience and sharing your love, wisdom and years with those who need you, from close family and friends to complete strangers. We are all connected.



3. Who are your heroes? Your role models? Have they been the same since childhood, or changed as you've gotten older?

My hero is one of my horse riding friends who at 71 years old rides with me almost every day and is completely generous of spirit and seemingly ageless in her approach to life. When I was young, typically my heros were rock singers and movie stars; as I moved on, authors and people who attempted to make a difference in people's lives.


Now that my mother has passed on, she has become my biggest hero. If I only knew then what I know now from all she experienced I would have given her flowers every day.



4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?

In 5 years I see myself working in the arts and equitation with the less-privileged and the physically/mentally challenged. In 10 years, I will be grateful I am still alive after the lung transplant I received a year ago -- and to that end I will see what life has to offer and move forward, jumping right in to life! In 15 years, playing with grandchildren would be wonderful and hopefully have written my memoirs.



5. How do you hope you're remembered? Is there a legacy you're hoping to leave? What would make you most proud?

I hope I am remembered as someone who was compassionate, sympathetic and optimistic. I would hope that my children found me to be a good mother, my husband was happy with a good wife and my friends loved me for everything I was and wasn't.


My legacy would be my body of songs I have written over my lifetime; articles and the fruition of my children's labours as they grew up.

My children's happiness in their lives -- that they followed their hearts and were successful in their lives knowing that their net worth is not as important as their human worth.


Want more great inspiration? Check out our 5 Questions With library.


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