Brooke Sturgis, an Allegheny County native, is returning to Pittsburgh for the NFL draft after surviving two organ transplants and defying a one percent chance of survival.A tough medical journeySturgis has lived through not one, but two organ transplants in less than a year.Doctors at UPMC said she had a one percent chance of surviving. She beat the odds and is now working her dream job for the NFL and will be back in her hometown for the NFL draft.A new beginningThe ringing of a bell symbolizes the beginning of a new life for Sturgis, who underwent both a heart and kidney transplant in the same year. “As someone who went through so much for so many months, I thought to myself, I want to be in a world that brings a smile to people’s faces and that I can have a part in making someone’s day better,” Sturgis said. Career PathSturgis decided to pursue a career as an events coordinator for the National Football League, a role that has brought her back to Pittsburgh for the draft. “It’s so surreal to come back to Pittsburgh and not only work this draft but be a part of the planning, but it truly is something that makes me so incredibly emotional to think about,” Sturgis said. A powerful reminderAs she looks at the skyline of the city, seeing the UPMC building is a poignant reminder of her journey. At the age of 19, doctors said she had a one percent chance of living, but a team of medical professionals saved her life. “Brooke, I’m just so proud of everything you have persevered through and the wonderful person you’ve become and the career you’ve developed,” said Gavin Hickey, director of the Cardiogenic Shock Program at UPMC. “I think that’s what really makes me want to cry thinking about because it is so special and it’s so much bigger than football, and it’s so much bigger than the draft. And it feels like I’m giving back to this community that did so much for me,” Sturgis said. Now, Sturgis is able to live her dream of working for the NFL, inspiring others along the way.

PITTSBURGH —

Brooke Sturgis, an Allegheny County native, is returning to Pittsburgh for the NFL draft after surviving two organ transplants and defying a one percent chance of survival.

A tough medical journey

Sturgis has lived through not one, but two organ transplants in less than a year.

Doctors at UPMC said she had a one percent chance of surviving. She beat the odds and is now working her dream job for the NFL and will be back in her hometown for the NFL draft.

A new beginning

The ringing of a bell symbolizes the beginning of a new life for Sturgis, who underwent both a heart and kidney transplant in the same year.

“As someone who went through so much for so many months, I thought to myself, I want to be in a world that brings a smile to people’s faces and that I can have a part in making someone’s day better,” Sturgis said.

Career Path

Sturgis decided to pursue a career as an events coordinator for the National Football League, a role that has brought her back to Pittsburgh for the draft.

“It’s so surreal to come back to Pittsburgh and not only work this draft but be a part of the planning, but it truly is something that makes me so incredibly emotional to think about,” Sturgis said.

A powerful reminder

As she looks at the skyline of the city, seeing the UPMC building is a poignant reminder of her journey. At the age of 19, doctors said she had a one percent chance of living, but a team of medical professionals saved her life.

“Brooke, I’m just so proud of everything you have persevered through and the wonderful person you’ve become and the career you’ve developed,” said Gavin Hickey, director of the Cardiogenic Shock Program at UPMC.

“I think that’s what really makes me want to cry thinking about because it is so special and it’s so much bigger than football, and it’s so much bigger than the draft. And it feels like I’m giving back to this community that did so much for me,” Sturgis said.

Now, Sturgis is able to live her dream of working for the NFL, inspiring others along the way.