In March 2025, Bill became a grandfather for the very first time.
“The best thing that ever happened to my heart was holding my grandson,” said Bill. “It’s just an unbelievable joy.”
While most grandparents would agree that becoming a grandparent is one of life’s greatest blessings, Bill’s experience is arguably sweeter than most.
“If it weren’t for my heart donor, I wouldn’t have experienced it at all,” he said. “My donor saved my life and everything that came after.”
In July 2023, Bill suffered a heart attack and underwent bypass surgery. A little more than a month later, his heart failed, and he was told his only options to survive were either a heart transplant or an LVAD — a battery-powered, mechanical pump surgically implanted in the chest. At the time, he was not strong enough for either and spent six weeks in intensive care working to regain strength. Eventually, the LVAD became the only viable option, and the surgery was successful.
About six months later, after continuing to regain strength with the LVAD, Bill applied to be placed on the heart transplant waiting list.
“While I was grateful for the LVAD, I felt that a transplant would be the better long-term option for me,” he said. “My illness affected my entire family. My wife retired to care for me full time, and our three adult children were understandably worried.”
On Father’s Day 2024, the family gathered together, and Bill shared that he was at peace with his decision to pursue a heart transplant.
“Just a few days later, I got the call and was told to get to Duke as soon as possible,” he said. “On the drive to Durham, my wife says she’s never seen me smile that much in my life.”
Bill received his lifesaving heart transplant on June 22, 2024. He was 68 years old.
“The whole procedure is amazing,” he recalled. “I woke up with a new heart. It was thrilling, but there was always the knowledge that somebody else had lost their life. It was a tough thing to deal with. The first few months in particular were very emotional, even just talking about it. Today, I have peace with it. I have written to my donor’s family and I’m just very grateful for that gift and determined to make the best of it.”
Although his recovery has not been without challenges, Bill says the experience has transformed the way he sees the world.
“I woke up this morning and I can enjoy my family,” he said. “I try to walk as much as I can every day, and when it’s warmer, I have a nice e-bike that I enjoy riding. We’ve travelled a little bit, and plan to do more. I started drawing and painting, and I never did that before. I read a lot of good books.”
He pauses, then adds, “I have a much deeper appreciation for life. I know how short it is for all of us. That’s not sad, it’s just reality. Enjoy every moment, and don’t forget to express gratitude to the people you love.”
As a grateful transplant recipient, Bill encourages others to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors and hopes to advocate for donation in the future. Above all, he hopes one day to hear from his donor’s family and perhaps meet them in person.
“I want them to understand, on the deepest level, what heartfelt gratitude looks and feels like,” said Bill. “It’s quite an amazing gift, and I don’t want to waste it. I’m profoundly changed by it and profoundly grateful.”
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