Dr. Hugo's Story

I am a heart transplantee.

Up until January 1988, I was a healthy 60-year old enjoying my life with a wonderful family and friends, practicing my medical profession and alternating with my golf game.  But in February 1988 I became sick with the flu. 

After the flu, I continued feeling very weak, with easy fatigue, weakness and a low grade fever.  The eventual diagnosis was hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, with an ejection fraction of only 22% -- a poor prognosis for my dear heart.

By the end of 1990, I had become very debilitated by my cardio-pulmonary congestive condition.  It was then that my cardiologist said: ãYour heart is not going to recuperate; you need a heart transplant to survive.ä 

Although reluctant to submit myself to such a tremendous medical procedure, my beloved wife insisted that we go ahead with it.  In August 1991, four months later, I was given the heart of a 21 year-old Salvadorian man.  I was 63 years old and left the hospital on the ninth post-operative day, breaking two records at that hospital (for oldest transplantee and fastest discharge). 

My condition after surgery is excellent.  Thus, for eleven years, I have had the immense happiness of living with my family, incremented now by four grandchildren.  In addition, about two years after surgery and after I had sent greeting cards on special occasions, like the anniversary of the transplant, Motherâs Day, Christmas and New Yearâs, I had the delightful pleasure of meeting my heart donorâs mother and brother.

With gradual improvement of my health I have been able to take care of my yard completely.  I also can travel easily, especially to visit my dear family in Colombia, South America.  But no more golf games.

Every day in my prayers, I give thanks to our Lord for the magnificent miracle bestowed upon us.  The gift of life is so easy to fulfill; it produces the greatest satisfaction knowing that it improves the life of some dear person in another home to make them happy.

Would you consider the possibility of being an organ donor?

Hugo