Today we celebrated Brian's 30th anniversary of his heart transplant! At 15 years old, after 4 months on an artificial heart and having made history as the first VAD patient in the world to be discharged from the hospital, Brian received the gift of life from an anonymous donor. While someone grieves a loss on this day, we give thanks for the most generous gift of life. 

These 30 years have been full of challenges: multiple cancers, stem cell transplant, kidney failure, and more near-death experiences than one should ever face, including 2 weeks on a ventilator just this spring, but Brian keeps on fighting with incredible spirit, faith, and will. And these years have been filled with joys, miracles, and blessings as well. We are so grateful to all those who have supported and uplifted us along the way. Here's to the next 30 years (hopefully starting with a kidney transplant in the near future)!

Article 5 years ago: https://mirm-pitt.net/news-archive/pittsburghs-25th-anniversary-first-vad-patient-discharged-hospital/

Related podcast: http://www.pitt.edu/~jmurphy/MIRM.html/RegenMedToday_089_Nov2010.mp3