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This holiday season, 81-year-old BWH patient Marie Larner says she has a lot to be thankful for.
Twenty-five years ago, the Swansea resident became the recipient of a healthy new heart. Her own heart had enlarged to three times its size due to an infection, causing heart failure. She remembers being at her local hospital when she first heard there was a donor. “When they told me, I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “Everybody was so excited, including my doctors. It came so fast, which was fortunate for me because I don’t think I had much longer to go.”
Larner, who today is in good health and spirits, is one of hundreds of patients who have received a second chance at life due to the efforts of BWH’s Heart Transplant Program, which is celebrating its 30th year. In 1984, a surgery team led by cardiac surgeon Lawrence H. Cohn, MD, performed New England’s first heart transplant. Today, the team-based program consists of cardiac surgeons, cardiologists and nurse practitioners. It remains one of the busiest cardiac transplantation and mechanical circulatory support programs in New England.
BWH cardiologist Neal Lakdawala, MD, who has cared for Larner since 2010, says she is beloved by her care providers and calls her a “delight.” “She is a real treat to be around and is both knowledgeable about her disease and an active participant in decisions made about her care,” he said.
Larner and her BWH clinicians credit her family for being a strong support system and closely involved in her care.
“One of the reasons I think she’s done well for so long is the incredible care she has taken of herself, with her family’s support, and her precious donor heart,” said Michael Givertz, MD, medical director of the transplant program. “Her family has played an extremely important role in helping us to help her maintain good health.”
Cardiovascular Division nurse practitioner Deborah Page, APRN-BC, NP, who has cared for Larner for more than 10 years, has been moved by Larner’s strong will, perseverance and family support.
“Each clinic visit, I am updated with photos and the latest stories about her grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” said Page. “Marie has always been so connected to her family and grateful for her care.”
As for the program’s anniversary, Givertz calls it a huge milestone.
“It’s the oldest and largest transplant program in New England and has always had superior outcomes that surpass national and international averages,” Givertz said. “We take extreme pride in patients like Ms. Larner, who are doing so well long after their transplant.”
Added Larner: “I’ve had the chance to see my two granddaughters get married and know my three great-grandsons. It’s been a wonderful gift.”
Learn about organ donation at www.neob.org.