Happy Spring Everyone!
I recently celebrated my second rebirth day, as it has now been fully two years since I was given the Gift of Life in the form of a transplanted heart. It’s humbling to think about the young donor and her family, who, in the midst of their own loss, made a decision that prolonged and extended my life. I carry deep gratitude for that ultimate gift and this opportunity to continue to help others by living a life for more than myself. This gift, along with the incredibly skilled staff and amazing technologies at the University of Michigan Hospital Cardiac Care teams, makes this letter from me to you possible. At the same time, there’s still so much to do—heart disease remains the leading cause of death for adults in the U.S.
I continue to work with UM pre- and post-LVAD (heart pumps) and heart transplant patients, supporting the great work at Michigan Medicine and the American Heart Association.
Coming up soon on Saturday, May 16 is the Washtenaw County AHA Heart Walk fundraising drive that I look forward to wholeheartedly (pun intended) finally being well enough to participate in the actual walk again.
If you care to donate and continue to support the good work of the American Heart Association, or you are looking for a 5K walk or run in a beautiful setting, come join us at Hudson Mills Metropark in Dexter Michigan on Saturday May 16th. I would so appreciate it, from the bottom of my new heart!
To donate, click on the Survivors' Team page. Click on: Donate to a Team Member. My name is listed..
Gratefully,
John R. Birko