WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR CAN MAKE
My name is Phil Lewis and I was listed for heart transplant on March 26, 2018 at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. While on the list, the good and bad days of physical health would come and go but mentally, it was tough. Not knowing when the call was going to come and not being able to plan anything you could not change in a moment’s notice was hard. My family and friends helped me through this time. On June 9, 2020 at 1:30 pm, I got the call. My first thought was is this real? When I realized it was, I quickly said “Yes!” to the doctor and called my wife. I was admitted to the hospital that night and on June 10, 2020 at 2:30 pm, I received the gift of life. I am now nearly 8 months post-transplant and I am feeling good. I am so grateful to be here to share my story! I can do things I enjoy that I couldn’t before my transplant, like mechanical work on cars and equipment around our acreage. I'm able to walk out of the house to run errands and not have to carry a backpack full of extra stuff for my LVAD device. When the phone rings, my mind does not wonder if this is the call. My life has completely changed thanks to my generous donor. The overall process from being listed to transplant to recovery has been tough but has been worth it. What a difference a year can make. I was granted my miracle and I am thankful every day for my donor, donor family, and the second chance I was given.
With a grateful heart,
Phil Lewis Heart Recipient
YES!
PHIL LEWIS HEART RECIPIENT
“I was granted my miracle and I am thankful every day for my donor, donor family, and the second chance I was given.”
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