A nurse says she is convinced "death isn't the end" after undergoing heart surgery while awake. Candice Purchase, a mother of two, claims she experienced the "afterlife" during the procedure, which she says has given life a "deeper meaning."
Bright White Light and a Robed Being
Candice described seeing the "biggest, brightest white light" she had ever witnessed and recalled being "surrounded by peace and love" as surgeons worked to fit a device to correct her heart condition. She told UniLad: "As the surgeon went to the main artery of my leg to feed the device up towards my heart, I was in another space in an instance," noting she was trembling with terror.
She elaborated: "I remember not thinking, not having any fears, thoughts, worries or stresses. I found myself sitting at the bottom of a big presence, and I believe this was my guide." Candice also sensed a second presence and "felt" the bottom of his robe, adding: "When I looked at myself it was as if I was a child."
From Diagnosis to Transformation
Candice first learned she had a cardiac defect after suffering a pulmonary embolism and several strokes. The diagnosis at age 30 required a patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure, a procedure that seals the gap between the heart's two upper chambers with a permanent device. She had to remain conscious throughout the operation.
After the experience, Candice says she no longer fears death. "It changed a lot about what I thought, and it brought me even closer to my faith," she said. "When you pass away, you take nothing with you from the physical life. You are not angry, you're not sad, you're not holding on to anything. You're in a perfect state of peace. And you feel so loved, you feel like you're home."
Career Change and Broader Context
No longer practicing as a nurse, Candice has since embarked on a career in healing and now works as an evidential medium, offering readings to clients. She initially kept the experience to herself for months, fearing disbelief.
Out-of-body experiences (OBEs) are reported by some who come close to death. Common features include perceiving oneself floating from an elevated position, viewing the world from that perspective, and feeling a disconnect between body and self. Very Well Mind notes: "There isn't much data available about out-of-body experiences, but some estimates suggest that around 5% of the population will have at least one OBE during their lifetime."
