JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A mother of five who received a heart transplant last year after being diagnosed with cardiomypothy and congestive heart failure had her wish granted to meet her favorite music artist, Plies, over the weekend.
News4Jax has been following the story of Laquisha Mathis, who was told in February 2015 that she only had six months to live.
“My doctor only gave me six months to a year. And so I don’t have time to wait on Medicare to kick in,” Mathis told News4Jax last March.
Mathis would pray daily, hoping doctors would find her a new heart before her old one gave out. Several months later, a donor heart became available in November.
“He said, ‘We have a heart potential for you. We have an offer for you and would you like it,’” Mathis said.
Since then, News4Jax learned about Mathis’ favorite hobbies, music and even her favorite musical artists, Akgernod Washington -- the award-winning rapper known as Plies.
“His music, his style, the way he looks, the way he talks, everything,” Mathis said when asked what she likes about Plies.
She was even singing his music when she woke up from the heart transplant that saved her life.
The Grammy-nominated rapper performed in Jacksonville Saturday night. But beforehand, News4Jax called celebrity photographer Terrence Armand, with Pure nightclub, to see if they could help to make Mathis’ other dream come true.
“I started crying because I’m so overwhelmed. And it’s something that I’ve been wanting since he came out and that was like one of my second wishes after I had my heart transplant,” Mathis said.
Mathis’ second wish in life was granted when she met Plies.
“I love you. I love you. I love you!” she told Plies.
Plies responded, “You have to stay strong.”
Mathis’ wish was to tell Plies that she was his No. 1 fan. But she wasn’t expecting what happened next.
“I’m her No. 1 fan. I love this dude right here. She ain’t my No. 1 fan, I’m her No. 1 fan,” Plies said.
Mathis’ story touched Plies so much that he put her story and their picture on his Instagram page. He even invited her and her family to dance with him on stage.
Mathis said it was a day that she will never forget and always remember.
“He said he loves me. And he gave me two kisses!” Mathis said.
She told Plies thank you – from the bottom of her new heart.
“I was happy. I was excited. I was shaking. I was crying. I was nervous. And I’m just overwhelmed right now,” Mathis said.