Patient Stories

• Dave’s life suddenly shifted when a viral infection left him with just 15% heart function and in need of a heart transplant.
• His team of specialists at UC Health never settled. As they cared for Dave, they focused on finding him the highest quality heart to give him the best chance for long-term success.
• While Dave focused on a full recovery and returning to the life and the people he loves, his care team supported him every step of the way. See how in the full story below.

“The care that I received exceeded my expectations and kept my mind, body and spirit intact. I find great comfort in knowing that this talented team will save many more lives,” says Dave.

If you or a loved one needs care, you can contact the first and most experienced adult heart transplant program in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky at 513-584-5174, submit an online self-referral form, or visit uchealth.com/en/transplant/heart-transplant.

Boundless care is not just about today—it’s about tomorrow. It’s about creating new opportunities, offering second chances, and transforming lives with better outcomes.

A Heart Transplant Journey Guided by Purpose and Goals

From the bed in his hospital room, Dave Lewis read over the goals he had written on the whiteboard:

1. Get a new heart.
2. Be a good patient.
3. Give thanks to the amazing UC Health care team.
4. Smile often.
5. Strive to walk 7,000 steps 7 days a week. 
6. Appreciate the love, support, and prayers from friends, family, and coworkers.
7. Thank God for guidance through the journey.
8. Embrace change and live life to the fullest.

He had just completed the first and most critical goal on the list, receiving a life-saving heart transplant. Now, he was going to move through recovery his way, with his UC Health care team supporting every small win so he could fully reclaim the life he loves.

“Those goals reminded me why I was here and what I was fighting for,” Dave said. Today, he’s checking each box and looking forward to achieving 100% recovery by June 2025, the one-year anniversary of his transplant.

Since accomplishing the first seven goals, Dave is now fully embracing the 8th and final goal: living life to the fullest as he continues his journey toward complete recovery, savoring every moment of his second chance. For Dave, that means time volunteering at his church, cheering on his favorite teams, and, most importantly, spending more time with his kids.

A Sudden Turn: Diagnosing a Failing Heart

Dave, from Lebanon, Ohio, had his life change unexpectedly on a spring evening in March 2018. An outing to enjoy wings and basketball with his son ended in a night of violent illness. At first, he thought it was food poisoning, but as his symptoms lingered and his condition worsened, he sought medical attention. In a matter of days, Dave could barely move.

“I went to a local clinic, and they did an EKG. They told me they were calling an ambulance,” Dave recalls. “I didn’t realize how serious it was.”

When Dave arrived at the emergency room at UC Health West Chester, everything changed. The receptionist’s face turned grave as she saw his EKG results. Within moments, he was rushed to critical care, where he received life-saving shocks through defibrillator paddles. A virus had injured his heart, leading to heart failure and leaving him in dire condition.

“I remember thinking, ‘This could be the last time I see my son and daughter,’” Dave shared. His heart was failing, and his ejection fraction — a measure of how well his heart pumps blood — had plummeted to just 15%, far below the normal range of 60-65%. With an ejection fraction below 20% and a heart failure diagnosis, he faced a life expectancy of less than two years without treatment.

Despite the odds, Dave’s determination kicked in. “I wasn’t going to let this define me,” he said. He received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), a small device surgically implanted to monitor and correct abnormal heart rhythms. He committed to his recovery, faithfully attending appointments, taking medications, and walking 10,000 steps a day. 

For a time, his heart stabilized, but his condition gradually declined, and he faced the reality of needing a heart transplant.

A Life-Saving Call: The Gift of a New Heart

In January 2024, during a routine appointment with Dr. Juliane Vierecke, Director of Mechanical Support and Cardiovascular Rehabilitation at UC Health, Dave learned his heart was no longer sustainable.

"While many patients awaiting a heart transplant can safely wait at home, Dave’s condition had progressed to a point where that was no longer an option," said Dr. Vierecke. "His heart was too weak to sustain him without constant monitoring and an advanced mechanical circulatory support device. To give him the best possible chance of receiving a heart transplant and successfully recovering, we made the decision to keep him hospitalized until transplant.”

He was admitted to UC Medical Center that day and remained in the hospital for 158 days waiting for a heart transplant. Every day, he was encouraged by the love of his family and friends and the kindness from his care team. Meanwhile, the UC Health cardiology and transplant specialists pushed on to find him the perfect match. 

On June 6, 2024, Dave received his life-saving transplant. When he awoke, he was reassured by Dr. Louis Louis, Chief of Cardiac Surgery, and the care team’s confidence. “Dr. Louis told me, ‘You’ve got a beautiful new heart,’ and I believed him,” Dave said. “I’d waited so long, and it was worth it. I got the heart that was meant for me.”

"In heart transplantation, the quality of the donor heart matters and directly impacts the recipient’s long-term survival. At UC Health, we refuse to settle for anything less than the best. Our goal isn’t just to perform a successful transplant—it’s to give our patients more life. A heart transplant is a part of the overall care that ensures patients don’t just survive, but truly thrive," says Dr. Louis.

Staying the Course: A Care Team Like No Other

Dave’s journey to a new heart spanned six years, including numerous procedures, setbacks, and moments of uncertainty. Through it all, his trust in UC Health never wavered. “It was the commitment of my care team,” Dave said. “I wasn’t just a number. They made me feel like I mattered.”

He fondly recalls Dr. Vierecke. “She told me, ‘I’m with you. I’m fighting for you,’ and I felt it,” Dave shared. Her unwavering support, coupled with the compassion and expertise of the nurses and staff, kept him going through the long hospital stay and challenging procedures.

Dave deeply appreciated the entire team, including the nurse practitioners who helped him navigate the medical complexities, the CVICU team, the Cardiac Step-Down Unit nurses, the Cath Lab nurses, and the transplant coordinators who provided dedicated care. “They are angels on Earth,” he said.

A Message of Hope

When asked what advice he would give to others facing a similar journey, Dave’s answer is simple but powerful: “Don't give up. Don't ever give up..” Inspired by quotes from figures like Jim Valvano, Dave embodies the spirit of resilience.

"Dave’s attitude throughout his journey was truly remarkable," shares Dr. Vierecke. "Even in the most challenging moments, he remained positive, expressed gratitude for everyone around him, and stayed committed to moving forward. He continued to work remotely while awaiting his heart transplant with a medical mechanical circulatory support device inserted in the CVICU. This gave him a sense of purpose and kept him motivated. His resilience and optimism were not only inspiring to our team but also a testament to his incredible strength and determination.”

Dave’s story is rooted in his resilience and determination that was matched by the dedication of an expert, compassionate team.  It’s a powerful combination that led to his extraordinary results.

“It wasn’t my time. I wasn’t ready. And I wasn’t fighting alone,” he said. Dave now feels limitless, supported by his strong faith, the love of his family and friends, the care of the hospital staff, and the unwavering dedication of his care team. “For the first time in years, I’m not living in fear. I’m living fully.”

Celebrating Life During Heart Month

Dave’s story reminds us of the life-saving power of heart transplantation and organ donation and the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care.

“Boundless care is a commitment to better outcomes, better care, and a brighter future for every patient,” Dr. Louis emphasized.

“A half year in the hospital was a small sacrifice for where I am now,” Dave said. “I’m proof that with the right team and a little hope, you can get a second chance at life.”

If you or a family member are needing a heart transplant and would like to learn more, visit uchealth.com/en/transplant/heart-transplant, call 513-584-5174, or submit an online self-referral form.