Friend passed away

[kfay]

I found out this weekend that a man that I used to work with has died after refusing a heart transplant. He apparently got a staph infection after a minor surgery that went straight to his heart. It destroyed all of his valves and was so bad, his only chance at surviving was a heart transplant. He told a friend of mine who went and spent a day with him two months ago, that at 61, he had lived a very good life and had decided that a heart should go to someone younger than him to give them a chance at the same good life he had had. I guess you have to admire him, I don't think I could be that generous if I find myself in his place at that age. Would you?

Kim

 

[Ross]

Wow. Sorry to hear of the loss, but I do have to admire him. Of course in all honesty, I'm not sure that I'd want to attempt a transplant myself. Guess I won't really know until that time comes.

 

[laurad37]

I'm not sure what I would do.... your friend is a very selfless man... Not many like that anymore. I admire him.

 

[WayneGM]

Sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. I admire his decision. I'm not sure I would have made the same choice. There's still a lot of potential life left at age 61. My condolences.

 

[Bina]

Kim, I'm sorry to hear about your loss of a friend.

The Ottawa Heart Institute has a televised fundraiser where they, naturally, interview many of their patients.
I remember seeing an older gentleman doing some volunteer work, while the TV host told his story. This gentleman had survived a heart transplant a few years earlier and was doing great. He still had his wife with him, and could enjoy seeing his grandchildren grow up. I think that his decision was also generous in it's own way.

 

[njean]

Sorry to hear of your friend's death Kimmie. He was a very generous & kind soul & may he rest in peace.

I can totally relate to his decision as I have been warned that this may be in my future as well. The sheer thought of it makes me shudder as I too think within myself, that I would not be willing to go this route.

My condolences to his family.