Through my annual physical on Oct. 16, 1991, I was diagnosed with Coronary Artery Disease and scheduled for a quadruple by-pass surgery the following day. 
 

I lead somewhat normal life consisting of chicken, fish & fat-free after that, until 1996 when a virus attacked my heart and I was diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy (Heart Failure). 

                                                                                                                                     But with the grace of God, doctors and medications life got back on track.  In 2001 and 2002, as my heart began to deteriorate, I found myself spending more time in the emergency room and hospitalized. On February 14, 2002, a decision was made to implant an ICD device and to start the application as a candidate for a Heart Transplant.

 I was approved in October 2002.  Again in March of 2003, I was hospitalized and IV pump was inserted and I received the prescription of Primacor, a heart-stimulating drug, around the clock.  The miracle call came on September 1, 2003, and at 10:30pm, and surgery was performed the next morning.  Thanks to God, the surgeons, nurses and staff at St. Luke’s Hospital.  But most important….the Donor Family.  With this wonderful gift, I celebrated my 61^st birthday and witnessed the birth of my third grandbaby on January 26, 2004