As Hatter Pat Donahue celebrates the 25th anniversary of his second heart transplant today, he gives thanks to organ donors who through their donation give others the gift of life, time and hope.--NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com
Medicine Hat resident Pat Donahue expressed gratitude for many things over Thanksgiving weekend, but the simple fact that after six heart attacks and two transplants, he is alive to celebrate it, tops the list.
Donahue, whose family has a history of heart conditions, had his first heart attack in 1977. Over the next 15 years, he had three more heart attacks which left him extremely weak and with very little quality of life. In 1993, Donahue received his first heart transplant, however a post-surgery cholesterol blockage caused two more heart attacks and resulted in a second heart transplant, which took place on this date in 1997.
Since the second transplant, Donahue has had no additional heart attacks and maintains a level of health and activity unattainable to him prior to the transplant. Now celebrating the 25th anniversary of his second transplant, Donahue wishes to share his story with the goal of sparking hope in others dealing with health concerns; as well as raising awareness about organ donation and its impact.
“There’s not many words to explain how you feel and how much you appreciate all the effort that people went through,” Donahue told the News. “After my fourth heart attack, my pump went down to 10 per cent efficiency, so there’s not much quality of life. I couldn’t do anything. I had no energy, no ambition – everything was drained. And for somebody who has been active all their life, to be faced with that …
“But my life is so much different now. I go into (the doctor’s) for check-ups and they ask me if I’ve had any problems and I say ‘No, not at all.'”
While Donahue must take medication daily and maintain a healthy diet, his life has otherwise returned to normal. He works 35-40 hours a week and when not working enjoys spending time with family or partaking in a range of hobbies and activities, many of which involve organ donation and transplant advocacy.
Donahue has competed at several Canadian Transplant Games, winning three gold medals and two silver medals for the walking category. He also frequently speaks on the topic of organ donation and transplant advocacy with audiences of all ages.
“The more you talk about it, the more you find people have no idea (about organ donation),” said Donahue. “So, I want to talk about it.”
In particular, Donahue hopes to inform others on how to become an organ donor.
“The big thing with the donor cards, is it’s a family decision,” he said when speaking on the voluntary declaration which can be completed online or through the Alberta Motor Association. “It’s so important to make sure that everybody’s on the right page.”
Donahue thanks all individuals who have committed to organ donation and reminds those waiting for a donation to not lose hope.
