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Heart transplant recipient thanks Gronk, loved ones for support

BOSTON — After spending her days at Brigham and Women's for more than six months, Lauren Meizo is finally going home!

“It’s been a long journey, it’s finally coming to an end, to be able to go home, sleep in my own bed without having any machines on me," said Meizo.

RELATED: Woman who got hospital visit from Gronk getting new heart

Boston 25 News first reported on Meizo's story from her hospital room when she was slated to receive her second heart transplant and a kidney back in March.

Meizo, who suffers from a rare form of muscular dystrophy that jeopardized her organs, said she only had one request at the time - to meet Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski.

"[It] raised my spirits," said Meizo. "The fact that he came out here, I'm kind of known as the "Gronk girl" now and that really helped my story get out there."

Gronk, being Gronk, responded to Meizo's request one week later and surprised her in her hospital room.

MORE: Mass. woman awaiting heart, kidney transplant meets Gronk

Meizo said not only did Gronk's visit brought positivity to her life but the support she's received from around the world pushed her to keep going.

"When I'm ready to say 'ah screw it,' I think of how many people out there that are 'Team Lauren,'" said Meizo.

Dr. Michael Givertz, the medical director of the heart transplant program at Brigham and Women's said the support started with Meizo's family, including her mom, who has been by her side from the beginning.

ORIGINAL STORY: Woman awaiting 2nd heart, kidney transplant makes hospital bed plea to meet Gronk

"A remarkable young woman whom we anticipate will do well for many many many years," said Dr. Givertz. "It’s not an individual sport. It really requires a team. She’s got a tremendous team.”

Meizo also said she's had many people come up to her saying they now want to become organ donors after her story shed a light on the importance of it.

"It’s just incredible how many people my story has reached and now many lives my story has saved," said Meizo.