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Heart recipients praise donors, Utah program

LInda | 7:58 a.m. April 16, 2008

In 1987 on his 56th birthday my Uncle Don received his new heart and a second chance at life. He lived that second chance to the fullest; ever grateful and never forgetting the young Ogden man whose untimely death gave him life. We had 18 wonderful years with him and he watched his grandchildren grow. We will always be grateful for this wonderful program.

Michelle | 10:26 a.m. April 16, 2008

I received my new heart nearly 16 years ago at age 21. Since then I have married and and been able to pursue my career. I am happy and healthy and thankful for my second chance. I was born with a congenital heart defect and the day after I was transplanted I could tell a difference in my energy level. I am forever grateful to my donor family. I hope to one day meet them and tell them what a wonderful blessing they have given me.

Dallas | 11:35 a.m. April 16, 2008

I received a new heart almost 3 years ago. I am grateful to the donor's family for making the heart available and to the staff at Intermountain Health
Care for their excellent care, both at the time of surgery and in subsequent follow-up care. It has been a life changing experience for me has allowed me to do many of the things I had always planned to do but never got around to doing. Included in this is writing my personal history and going fishing with my grandsons.

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Michael Brandy, Deseret News

Damon Draheim, the 1,000th patient to benefit from the UTAH Cardiac Transplant Program, speaks at the Capitol on Tuesday as Drs. Melanie Everitt, left, and Dale Renlund listen. Draheim, 42, had his operation three weeks ago.