A Valentine’s Day with Heart
By Sue Murphy, donor mom
Flowers, candy, cards and hearts. All of these things come to mind when one mentions Valentine’s Day. This year the word HEART is most important to our family.
Last Friday, my husband, Mike, I got to spend some time with our son’s heart recipient, Russ. Our son, Jason, was a registered donor and saved three lives after his death. For the last two years we have joined Russ and family members at OSU’s Ross Heart Center for a Valentine Party for all heart transplant recipients. What a happy time this is!
From left to right: Mike, Sue, Russ and Betty
This year marks the 25th anniversary for heart transplants at OSU and the smiles and hugs that are exchanged between doctors, nurses and heart recipients were priceless. Russ’ wife, Betty; daughter, Amy; and great-grandson, Christopher were with us to celebrate the holiday. It’s always a joy to get together with our “heart” family members. We have been blessed to have met them not long after Russ received Jason’s heart in June 2003.
Through cards, phone calls and visits we have been able to see firsthand the importance of organ and tissue donation. Russ had spent a few years waiting on his new heart. Most of that time he had been mainly home-bound due to lack of energy and deteriorating health. Since his transplant Russ has been able to travel and see new grandchildren and great grandchildren born. He has also had two knee replacements and fought and won a battle with cancer. His doctors attribute his recovery to his strong heart.
There isn’t a day that goes by we don’t miss our son Jason. He was such a loving and caring young man. But it bring us comfort to know that his “Gift of Life” has allowed Russ and his family to enjoy so many great times.
It is never too late to be an organ and tissue donor. Be someone’s HERO and join the Ohio Donor Registry today.
One Comment »
Patty (Murphy) Linville
Forever in our hearts!