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At 6 weeks old, Dottie Lessard was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis and Doctors told her parents
not to expect her to live past 2 years of age. When Dottie reached two, then doctors told her
parents she would not make it to first grade. Now at 43, Dottie is one ferocious athlete with an
insatiable appetite for life with every intention to compete in athletics and in life at the highest
level possible. She is proving to the world that Transplants Do Work. She has defied all odds.
Dottie has won several Gold Medals in the U.S. Transplant Games, carried the Olympic Torch
through Boston and has been acclaimed as one of Boston’s Exceptional Women of the Year.
Bryant Gumble of HBO Real Sports featured Dottie on his show after following her for two
years while Runner’s World Magazine honored her with their prestigious “Heroes of Running
Award”. She has been featured in other sports magazines as a “Top Inspirational Athlete”.
Dottie considers it a miracle to be alive and today and with all she has done, Dottie is most
proud of her six year old son Liam. She is a Personal Empowerment Coach, Nike Athlete,
author and life inspiration to all she meets. Her first book was released with high praise on
May 26, 2010 titled”Seven Letters That Saved My Life” (available on www.amazon.com and
www.barnesandnoble,com .
She has co founded Whole-Body Wellbeing www.wholebodywellbeing.com to help Empower
others with experience, knowledge, and tools to help them have their own success and reach their
own goals and dreams.
Her goal is to LIVE LIFE FULLY and do all she can to help others do the same.
ASK DOTTIE...
Dottie Lessard.com
Dottie's Transplant Games TV Interview
Richard Dugan Radio Show- Interview with Dottie
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Dottie Lessard
Member
Username: Dottie_lessard
Post Number: 17
Registered: 03-2009
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 - 03:04 pm: | 
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Hi Everyone.
This is Dottie and I am very new to this whole Blog, Facebook, Twitter thing but if you ask anyone who knows me, I am never at a loss for words so with some advice from some good people (Thanks Risa, Sharon, Melissa and Ben) Here I Go!!
I am going to start blogging..yikes. Where to start? What to say? What to share? I guess I need to start with the most basic thing.
I am alive, I am healthy and I am blessed. From a little girl growing up with Cystic Fibrosis to now, after two organ transplants be where I am today-A MOMMY to a 6 year old, a sponsored Nike athlete, a life wellness coach and new author-well, DREAMS do come TRUE.
My passion and what i believe has kept me alive throughout my life is "taking control of your life' In whatever situation you are in "You have a choice" Strengthening our whole body and Empowering ourselves to "Be Strong". I have learned many lessons along the way in this life and ALL have been valuable, some tough-but valuable.
I do what o do because i can and because of that chance i can spark in a child living with an obstacle (health, ecomonic,whatever) or a mom raising their child with a lifelong illness -a flame to fuel into a fire within to go forward with all that they have a believe. For "if you believe-truly believe from deep down inside, others will have to , or have to get out of your way",
never let a statistic define you-it isnt yours. OK, well thats enough for now, I need to go get my little miracle from school and play ball with him in the sunshine. Life is Good.
I will write more later
Peace and LIVE LIFE FULLY,
Dottie |
Brian
Member
Username: Briancurran01
Post Number: 79
Registered: 10-2009
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 - 03:38 pm: |
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welcome to the Blog land 
How did you get to be a sponsored Nike Athlete? that is cool.
| Awaiting kidney Transplkant since 12/09 |
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Happy2Bhere
Forum Leader
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 3500
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 - 04:52 pm: |
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Hi Dottie,
I checked out your websites and I am highly impressed. http://www.dottielessard.com/index.html
I'm sure you have been told this many times "You are truly an inspiration to others".
Ol' Bob
Texas Bob
http://www.cafepress.com/Happy2Bhere_2
Heart Transplant
performed Jan 28th 1991
http://www.heartandcoeur.com/story/bob_story.php |
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Hostess Rise'
Board Administrator
Username: Rise
Post Number: 12884
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 - 05:56 pm: |
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Welcome Dottie to our blog world here on buddies.
I will be tuning into read all you have to say.
Cystic Fibrosis- dx at 2yrs. -2nd double lung tx-05 JMH
contact
Transplantbuddies@gmail.com
Join our Social Network on
www.transplantfriends.com |
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Dottie Lessard
Member
Username: Dottie_lessard
Post Number: 18
Registered: 03-2009
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 - 09:34 pm: |
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Hi Brian,
Thanks for the welcome I tried to reply on my phone earlier to these posts-it seems it did not work Student here..
So, to answer your question. It has been a dream of mine since I was young to be a Nike Girl. I saw it, believed it when others laughed, I lived it in my mind and "still believed"
I worked diligently to keeping fit and strong and be "my athlete" throughout my life with my health challenges and I can honestly say it is what kept me alive. After my lung transplant in 1994 I became the athlete i dreamed with new lungs and in 2005 I was honored by Runners World as one of their "Hero;s of Running" when i shared my story, some people from Nike were in the audience. Dreams come true, Hard work pays off
Never stop believing in doing what others call the impossible!
How are you doing?
Dottie |
Dottie Lessard
Member
Username: Dottie_lessard
Post Number: 20
Registered: 03-2009
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 - 09:41 pm: |
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Dear Ol' Bob,
Thank you so much for your kind words. The website is going to be having an overhaul here soon. YOU Sir, are a true inspiration and I get the impression that you touch many lives with your many talents and wonderful outlook on life-it is an honor to "share space" here with you and have you as a member of what i call "my special Family" as we are all tied together by this LIFE we have been given to live and the gifts we have received.
I look forward to being inspired by all of you on this wonderful site.
Love Dottie |
Dottie Lessard
Member
Username: Dottie_lessard
Post Number: 21
Registered: 03-2009
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 - 09:46 pm: |
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Risa,
Thank you my dear friend....I am SO PROUD of all you have done with this site and how you have chosen to give back...and LIVE your LIFE
It will be my honor to be a part of it...
D XO |
Diane
Forum Leader
Username: Mary_diane
Post Number: 514
Registered: 02-2009
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 - 11:00 pm: |
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Hi Dottie,
You are truly inspirational. I remember a few of your posts when I first joined TX buddies, and I am glad to see you back.
Many of us don't know how to move on, and just achieve our dreams. I guess we just take the first step and start doing it. I love reading your inspirational posts.
Diane
Liver Transplant Nov 20, 2008
Vancouver General, BC
“Sometimes our light goes out but is blown again into flame by an encounter with another human being. Each of us owes the deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this inner light.”
Albert Schweitzer
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DAP1122
Forum Leader
Username: Dap1122
Post Number: 1677
Registered: 05-2008
| | Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 08:37 am: |
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Dottie,
Welcome to TransplantBuddies Blogs. I also will be following your inspirational words on a regular basis.
Be well and God Bless!
New blog/web page - http://My2ndHeartBeat.wordpress.com
DAP1122@Gmail.com
Heart Tx - 5/11/2007
DAP
Ohio, USA
Link to the Transplant Buddies Calendar - http://www.my.calendars.net/2ndHeartBeat |
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Brian
Member
Username: Briancurran01
Post Number: 83
Registered: 10-2009
| | Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 09:21 am: |
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WOW!!! that is so cool!!!
I am doing good.
That would be so cool to be a sponsored athlete. I cant run (bad knees and ankle)
I thought about trying to do competitive lweight lifting for a while..but now that has to be put on hold because I have lost alot of my strength.
But your accomplishments are very inspiring to me!! thank you for sharing!!
Brian
| Awaiting kidney Transplkant since 12/09 |
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CiscoKidney07
Forum Leader
Username: Gregg
Post Number: 3411
Registered: 03-2008
| | Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 09:24 am: |
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Hi, Dottie. Good to have someone to inspire the folks on here. So glad that you have a take control approach to life. Many others need to hear your message. You go girl! I have made some strides in taking charge of my life, too. the way I figure it, it is up to us, because nobody else can. Oh, sure, they can encourage you, but if you don't put the pedal down, nobody else will. Glad to have you here. Keep on truckin'!!
| There are not too many things in life worth working my butt off for, but my health is one of them |
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Dottie Lessard
Member
Username: Dottie_lessard
Post Number: 22
Registered: 03-2009
| | Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 02:29 pm: |
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Hi Guys, WOW..Thanks to you all for your kind words-I know I will be receiving inspiration from all of you! I am trying to read some from each of your blogs so I can know a little more about each of you-VERY Impressed.
I hope I can contribute somewhat and will make a strong effort to get on here and post and also "get inspired" from your blogs.
Life can get crazy busy and i am not the best at "structure" probably because I really never had alot of structure while growing up as I wasnt sure what day i would be sick, not sick, in hospital or out, etc. Priorities are different when you are sick Now, in real life, still learning..and its been a while Life is a process i guess...Life is good.
I just want to say today that I am so proud of all of you here. You have made a choice to "take control" of the situations you are in whether it is awaiting a transplant or living with your transplant.
We all have our personal obstacles in life and it is how we choose to "live with them" that matters. Taking action and making even the "tiniest steps" towards what it is you want for the day, for life,etc is what makes a difference. And, for today, if you cannot do it with your body, do it with your mind-that creates change, power. I love the courage and determination you all have and am honored to get to "see it" through these posts.
Brian, you keep on keepin on! and I Love the List of gratitude..I have done that for many years (even on days I didnt want to-those were the days it was MOST important to put things down!) I actually have that as one of my lessons in my book. They have made me "stare reality in the face" We may have struggles, yet we are blessed. You keep believing in your heart and soul that you will overcome and YOU WILL. If you cant lift one day, lift in your mind, picture yourself as to how you will when you are healthy-FEEL that FEELING, Emotion. Own it and it will become, then the next day, try again, never give up-your day will come. Gear up.
So many times when I was so sick waiting for my lung transplant I couldnt walk for more than 2 minutes slow on my treadmill but i did it, then got off and did it again, and again. I may not have walked miles or on some days, even 10 minutes but I did it. I did something and for that, i was NOT defeated. We do not have to be perfect, we have to be purposeful...
Lady Di-WOW, You are such a giver and a positive support. Love your vision...
Cisco Kidney what can I say except...I am proud to call you a fellow ATHLETE. You are empowering yourself and deciding how YOU want to live-amazing.
DAP-the same with you...I am truly honored and am so proud of your voice and passion. I am friends with many professional athletes and am so proud of all their accomplishments but none of them can compare to the pride I feel from hearing these posts from all of you.
YOU are my FAVORITE athletes...xo
Ok see, I like to talk...
Have a good day everyone
Love Dottie |
Dottie Lessard
Member
Username: Dottie_lessard
Post Number: 26
Registered: 03-2009
| | Posted on Monday, April 19, 2010 - 09:45 am: |
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Hi Guys,
Hope everyone had a nice weekend. I am excited to watch my friend Ryan Hall race in the Boston marathon today-he could actually win it!!
Say a prayer for me...he is not only a great athlete but a great guy also. Gives back to this world in many, many ways.
I have started a blog on my new site and would like to share it with you-as I said, i am pretty new to all of the social media, Blog, facebook,...."stuff" But I am enjoying sharing and am quite proud of this one in particular. I have decided as a writer, (just how I have always written, even while writing my book 7 Letters that saved my Life, I could never "sit down" at a set time, i had to write (even if it was a 3 am) when it "came to me" when my heart spoke...
So this second blog was about life with the help of my son Liam-who is my LIFE. This one is titled ROOTS, Hope you enjoy....
Roots....
www.wholebodywellbeing.com
(SORRY..have not figured out how to "pass the blog" over so for now if you go to this site and click on blogs you will see)
I hope everyone has a great day and remember, "If you chose to do something today to help yourself,..even if it is moving only a little..it is making a choice to take control and have a say........................you WILL be EMPOWERED.
LIVE LIFE FULLY,
Dottie |
Hostess Rise'
Board Administrator
Username: Rise
Post Number: 12915
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Monday, April 19, 2010 - 01:36 pm: |
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I absolutely love your blog. I will be one of your fans that will be reading. How do you subscribe to your blog postings?
Perhaps you can copy and paste what you write on your blog onto your blog here?
luv
Rise'
Cystic Fibrosis- dx at 2yrs. -2nd double lung tx-05 JMH
contact
Transplantbuddies@gmail.com
Join our Social Network on
www.transplantfriends.com |
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Dottie Lessard
Member
Username: Dottie_lessard
Post Number: 28
Registered: 03-2009
| | Posted on Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 12:53 am: |
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Hi Everyone,
It has been a busy week with my little one on school vacation from kindergarten so I am catching up on my work as I PLAYED alot this week-YAY!
I will be posting again the begining of the week but wanted to share some info from my co founder of Whole Body Wellbeing with you. She posted a great blog on our site about the safety of drinking water. There has been a lot on this topic lately in the media and I know for me, I am going to continue to drink bottled water. Better safe than sorry and I try to live my life with a good healthy balance -Not living in a bubble because I have had organ transplants and am immune compromised but live life fully educated as much as possible without going overboard.
I, speak on emotion, on my passion, on what i have lived and what i have seen and learned. This is my strength, Sharon's is the facts, the research, etc and I am blessed to have her equal me out and complete my vision of empowering anyone overcoming health, and life, challenges. It is an interesting article with some good facts
Knowledge is power......
www.wholebodywellbeing.com
I will be back in the next couple days and hope everyone is MOVING!
Dottie |
Dottie Lessard
Member
Username: Dottie_lessard
Post Number: 29
Registered: 03-2009
| | Posted on Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 12:57 am: |
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Hi Everyone,
It has been a busy week with my little one on school vacation from kindergarten so I am catching up on my work as I PLAYED alot this week-YAY!
I will be posting again on Monday and I believe some exciting things are happening for me that i am excited to share with you but wanted to share some info from my co founder of Whole Body Wellbeing with you. She posted a great blog on our site about the safety of drinking water. There has been a lot on this topic lately in the media and I know for me, I am going to continue to drink bottled water. Better safe than sorry and I try to live my life with a good healthy balance -Not living in a bubble because I have had organ transplants and am immune compromised but live life fully educated as much as possible without going overboard.
I, speak on emotion, on my passion, on what i have lived and what i have seen and learned. This is my strength, Sharon's is the facts, the research, etc and I am blessed to have her equal me out and complete my vision of empowering anyone overcoming health, and life, challenges. It is an interesting article with some good facts
Knowledge is power......
www.wholebodywellbeing.com
I will be back in the next couple days and hope everyone is MOVING!
You are all MY INSPIRATION...Thank You!
Dottie |
Dottie Lessard
Member
Username: Dottie_lessard
Post Number: 33
Registered: 03-2009
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2010 - 05:50 pm: |
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Hi Everyone, Hope you are all well and making most of the day. It has been a busy one for me but a grateful one I wanted to share some of the post i wrote today on my blog, if you would like to read the whole thing you can click on link under it (still learning these things so bear with me) you can also sign up on the site to get the blogs sent directly to you like here at Transplant Buddies.
I want you all to know I get alot of my inspiration from you all....Love Dottie
Blog Post
It was just minutes after 8am this morning and already i had received an email from a CF mom telling me her daughter went back to school today after being hospitalized with pneumonia for a bit and that her picc line will be coming out on Wensday-she has CF but don't tell her that it will stop her from doing anything -YAY, a little me (watch out world) Then...the next thing I read is a post from a friend that she is LIVING with CF, 6 yr old twins, and coming up to 4 years post lung transplant. I met her prior to her transplant and she was REALLY sick. Now, i can "feel her energy and joy" through the computer on her post. (I see some signs of Dottie in her too-especially the sparks of determination and a tiny bit of stubbornness!
It's gonna be a good day! I feel fed with hope and strength and the sun is shining.
I guess what i am trying to say in this is that life moves,...(to read rest of blog go to website below...cant paste all on here for some reason-UGH was not born to understand all this!)
www.wholebodywellbeing.com |
Hostess Rise'
Board Administrator
Username: Rise
Post Number: 13006
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2010 - 07:00 pm: |
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Dottie-
Wonderful blog post
To read Dottie's blog
Bad days pass, good days come...
http://blog.wholebodywellbeing.com/2010/05/05/bad-days-pass-good-days-come.aspx
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Dottie Lessard
Member
Username: Dottie_lessard
Post Number: 54
Registered: 03-2009
| | Posted on Saturday, July 03, 2010 - 09:18 pm: |
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Let's Make Lemonade!
OK, so there is the saying that everyone knows- "Turn your Lemons into Lemonade" One of the greatest ways I have found to do this is to make something positive out of something difficult by helping others with what you have learned from those experiences.
As I sit here typing next to my son who is having his breakfast of toast and chocolate milk (its vacation..) I feel like I have come full circle and have been blessed to have a lot of lemons in my past to now use to make some GREAT Lemonade.
I am so proud of my book Seven Letters That Saved My Life and hearing how people have started to change their lives after reading it has been a great source of pride and accomplishment for me. "I strongly believe the greatest gift you can give to yourself is giving back to others, helping others." I am so honored to be able to do this. My book is being used as I guidebook and a source of Inspiration for others to believe in themselves and go for their dreams and goals-Knowing this helps strengthen every part of my Whole Body Wellbeing and reminds me that life is Good and people are Worth It.
So, today I am excited to share with you my newest batch of "Lemonade" EMPOWER PRO. WHOO HOO!!!!
Over 18 years ago when I was waiting for my double lung transplant and trying to stay strong to bring as much as i could "to the table" I found my strength in a protein powder. When I couldn't eat or when nothing would stay down from my massive coughing fits I held onto this mixture as my HOPE. And it was. It helped support my body so that my tired lungs could be wrapped into a strong body to help protect them and carry them until my transplant. I used this quality protein with vitamins and minerals a foundation, as a weapon and it worked! Yes, I ate but when i couldn't or when I needed extra nutrition, this is what carried my through. It helped Save My Life without a doubt.
18 years later I know and understand even more about how crucial and important good quality nutrition is and how at times it can make or break your health. I have taken classes, received certifications in nutrition but my best education is what i have learned and seen "In the trenches" and trust me, some if it isn't pretty but all of it has been worth it to be where I am today. Every time I hear "momma" from my son and every time I see HOPE in a child's eyes and in their parents eyes also.
This Lemonade comes in the flavors of chocolate and vanilla and I believe it is my most important batch yet! I also believe it will help Empower and strengthen many-including me. Nothing in life is worth anything if you cannot share it and I cannot wait to share this!
I hope you decide to try my newest "Lemonade" EMPOWER PRO and also hope it encourages you to remember to make your own always....
LIVE LIFE FULLY people!
Dottie
Dottie,
Author of "The Seven Letters That Saved My Life"
Coach, Athlete and Mom to Liam
Survivor of
Cystic Fibrosis, Double lung transplant 94, Kidney transplant, 03
WholeBodyWellbeing.com |
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Alex's grandmother
Member
Username: Margo
Post Number: 22
Registered: 02-2009
| | Posted on Thursday, August 05, 2010 - 02:25 pm: |
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I am so inspired by your story and a bit ashamed of complaining about my aches and pains. If you and Devon can do all that you do then I will be inspired to reach for higher goals. Bless you for all that you do. I have forwarded your story to all my family and friends in hopes that they all will be motivated to move forward in their lives. You are remarkable! |
Dottie Lessard
Forum Leader
Username: Dottie_lessard
Post Number: 78
Registered: 03-2009
| | Posted on Saturday, August 14, 2010 - 01:22 pm: |
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Wow, Thank you so much for ALL your kind words-they mean so much-truly. We all have our obstacles we face and overcome so do not be ashamed of complaining about your aches and pains I just hope my story may encourage you to work through them better to do all you deserve and want to do!
THANK YOU for forwarding my story, I feel very proud to have come through what i have but helping others find their own strength is truly what makes me feel the best.
I am going to make a point to find out more about Alex's Grandmother and Alex this weekend on this site. Rise' has done such an AMAZING job building this community and I am so proud to be a part of it.
Thank you again so very much,
Dottie
Dottie,
Author of "The Seven Letters That Saved My Life"
Coach, Athlete and Mom to Liam
Survivor of
Cystic Fibrosis, Double lung transplant 94, Kidney transplant, 03
WholeBodyWellbeing.com
ASK DOTTIE... |
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Hostess Rise
Board Administrator
Username: Rise
Post Number: 14003
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, August 14, 2010 - 01:42 pm: |
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Hi Dottie
Yes I have worked very hard on this website and I am still learning the ropes of this intricate forum and all its capabilities. Just a while ago, I think I am turning into a computer geek LOL
Here is part of the story where Alex (heart recipient) Alex's grandmother received Sarah's heart. You will see a name Sarah's Mom in this thread. Bob Pitcock some how introduced them or realized who these families were through the internet
http://www.transplantbuddies.org/tbx/messages/15032/47903.html?1270154691
This is a very unique and never before happened story on transplantbuddies or probably anywhere else on the internet where a donor family and recipients family connect and unite through another heart recipient (Bob)
Sort of gives you the goose bumps!
Cystic Fibrosis- dx at 2yrs. -2nd double lung tx-05
Debra Fertel MD- Med. Dir. Lung Transplant/Pulmonary Hypertension Programs
Jackson Memorial Hospital
Si Pham MD, Professor of Surgery, Dir. of Thoracic Transplant & Artificial Heart Program-Miam Transplant Institute
Anas Hadeh MD, Cleveland Clinic, Weston, Florida
CF consultant- Critical Care and Sleep Medicine
Sharing Knowledge is an Invaluable Experience
Transplant Friends & Chat
Questions- Contact Hostess Rise' |
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