Woodbury mother hopes for Christmas miracle, plans surprise for kids if unable to get heart transplant

A Woodbury mom, who was told she has months to live, is hoping for a Christmas miracle: A heart transplant. 

She’s also planning ahead with something special for her children in the case that doesn’t happen.

Tiffany Anderson is suffering from heart failure.

“Tomorrow’s not promised to anyone,” she said — a lesson she knows too well. 

Anderson was born with a rare genetic condition. Her twin sister passed away from it at 31, her father died from it at 30 and her grandfather also at 30-years-old. 

Anderson’s only hope is a heart transplant and she’ll find out right before Christmas if she can make it on the transplant waiting list. 

Her two sons, 15-year-old Will and 11-year-old Micah, call their mom “Wonderwoman.” 

“That would be a really good Christmas present — probably the best Christmas present anyone could wish for,” Will said. 

The kids are hoping for the best. 

Anderson, however, is planning for the worst. 

“After my sister passed away last year, we found a stash of cards in her room that she had started writing out to her kids,” she said. 

So, she decided to do the same. 

“I want to write cards for them for every birthday at least up to age 21 graduation, from high school graduation, from college, wedding day,” she said for the big moments but wanted to capture small ones, too, like one for when Will or Micah is just feeling sad.

But the cost of cards is adding up. Anderson posted on Facebook asking if any neighbors had stationery to spare. 

“I’ve had three wonderful women from Woodbury donate some cards to me,” she shared. “Nobody can understand that kind of love until they’re a parent.”

Anderson hopes to never have to use the cards. But instead of spending the holidays waiting and wondering if she’ll get a new heart, she’s pouring hers out on paper, capturing her love in the written word.