A Second Chance: Jordan D. Marcia

Jordan was born with a rare congenital heart disease, and at the age of four received a heart transplant. At a young age he realized how short life really is, and how easily it can be taken away. He turned this event into something positive: he vowed to live a life of no regrets and live each day to the fullest.

Knowing he has a shorter life span, he vows to travel the world and share his adventures to inspire others to follow their dreams. Traveling has empowered and humbled him even more, and forced him to appreciate all he has. He plans to visit every country, and is documenting his travels through vlogs.

How did receiving your heart transplant change your views on life?

I received my transplant at four, which quickly made me realize how short life was. It forced me to understand how important it was to live life to the fullest at such a young age.

What inspired you to break from routine and get out to see the world?

Well, everyone buys homes, has children and gets 9-5 jobs. Even everyone in my family. However, I was never a routine person. I never liked being stable, and the idea of a 9-5 job with all the benefits never stood out to me. Considering my life was limited, I was interested in seeing the world. That stood out to me. That was the lifestyle I wanted, so I taught myself necessary skills and jumped on a plane.

How many countries have you been to so far in your quest to see them all? Which ones have been your favorites, and why?

I’ve been to 12 countries so far. Vietnam has been my all-time favorite. The country is just so beautiful!! I’m sure once I go to the Philippines, it might take over as my favorite.

What have been some of your most memorable experiences or favorite stories from traveling?

Well, I remember the sunrises on the Islands of Koh Tao, getting chased by monkeys on Koh Phi Phi, climbing waterfalls in Vietnam, riding camels in India, the most beautiful train ride in Sri Lanka and enjoying a cigar with a monk in Myanmar (that might be my favorite).

You mention that you have a shorter life span than the average person. How does this help fuel your desire to experience life to the fullest?

Life is short, for everyone. However, knowing that your life has less time than the average person allows you to live without fear. I’m able to take actions quicker and jump on opportunities without second guessing myself. I don’t have a fear of death, I have a fear of not living life while I’m still here. That’s what inspires me to live life to the fullest and just go after my goals. I mean, I’m going to die. So I’d rather have a list of countries I’ve been to, videos of my adventures, and people i’ve inspired to get out and live life ( transplant recipients or not).

What has this whole experience taught you about living each day to the fullest?

We all die. I just want to make sure at the end of my life my friends, my family and the world can see how important it truly is to follow your passions and your heart. I did, and it took me around the world.

How do you want to inspire others to chase their dreams and make each moment count?

I hope to inspire other organ recipients, as well as everyday people, to realize how short life is, no matter what. To get out, and really live life to the fullest. Watch those sunrises, catch the sunsets, grab that last minute flight, jump in that shady bus, that may or may not catch on fire (it did). Life is meant to be lived! Not meant to be watched on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook. If you want to do something, do it. I do, by making videos, telling my story, traveling the world and posting them up for the world to see on Facebook.