1Man3Hearts

I hardly see you as a bad guy for asking such a question. Especially given the fact that I've wondered the same thing myself on more than one occasion. Quite honestly, I don't know exactly how I managed to get so lucky. Like, why me as opposed to anyone else? What makes me so special?? My mother is a physician and was always a major advocate in pushing for me to get the best care possible. I was admitted to some of the top medical programs in the country. I assume these factors, along with strategizing of doctors to work the system played a part to some degree. For example, doctors will sometimes make patients sicker to get them higher on the list. I have a cousin who has been waiting close to 20 years for a kidney, and it hardly seems fair that I got one in under 2. I'd be lying if I said there weren't many times I felt guilty. Especially for receiving a second heart after neglecting to take care of my first. I think that is why I'm extremely passionate about giving back and helping those waiting/suffering in any way that I can. I want to do my part, so that all my blessings are not in vain. That is my I ultimately decided to write my memoir, 1 Man, 3 Hearts, 9 Lives in order to share my story and give others hope. I volunteer my time and do my part to remain very involved with the transplant program at my hospital coordinating organ/tissue donation awareness events and hosting annual toy drives for hospitalized children during the holidays!

My mother is a physician, and so I was fortunate enough to be placed under her excellent insurance plan, which covered most of my extensive needs. I am still covered under a great plan, and I receive disability funds monthly due to the fact that I am unable to work. I would not be alive today if not for my mother and having such a solid insurance plan.

I don't disagree in the slightest. It's at the top of my list of biggest regrets. I was a reckless teen (no excuse) and failed to realize the impact my bad decisions would have on me. Again, that's why I feel this need to help others and make any attempts to make up for it. But I hear you bro, trust me

I fell sick at the age of six, collapsing in my NJ home. At that time, doctors believed that I was suffering from an isolated heart issue. As I grew older and my body continued to develop, I began to experience more issues which included muscle weakness. A genetics test at the age of 27 revealed my condition to be Myofibrillar Myopathy which is known to present itself with an early onset of heart failure in some cases followed by muscle weakness, & respiratory failure.

Yes, many times. And that is precisely why I am on a mission to make the most of my time here and change as my lives as I possibly can, for the better.