The Eagle with Dr. Hari Tunuguntla: 21-year-old receives heart transplant after 18 years of waiting

Some 21-year-olds spend the months after their birthday partying or buying their first legal drinks, but for Anel Chaires, 21 has looked a little different.

Chaires, a Rudder High School graduate who has been on the heart transplant list for about 18 years, said her life has been challenging as she's endured numerous issues with her heart's function since birth.

On Dec. 7, 2025, she was in the hospital due to a battery issue with her pacemaker and after years of patience Chaires finally got the call and the wait was over — her new heart was ready.