Thoughts and prayers for all involved -- strength, and comfort.

Praying for Michael and his family, and the donor's family. Such a wonderful gift someone has given him from their tragedy.

Caring thoughts going out to all.

I Hope all goes well for Michael. Thoughts are with his family and that of the donor's as well. The families of donors are so selfless at their own time of grieving.

You got it, Rhizo. Sudden, severe illness is so scary, especially if the origin is unknown. But Vanderbilt sounds like a good place to be--especially when you add KT prayers.

Wonderful thoughts and prayers for your friends and family, Rhizo.

Sue

Prayers going up for Michael, his family, and the donor's family, also for the doctors and all involved in caring for Michael as he heals. And for you, too, Rhizo.

Rusty

This is so emotional, isn't it, rhizo? It's gratifying that a heart came available for him. I hope the surgery and recovery are perfect for him!

Praying for him, the surgeons, and the donor family too.

As are the others, I also am sending my prayers.

Best wishes that the surgery goes well and that Michael makes a full recovery. I hope the donor family finds some comfort knowing that their loved one's donations will help others regain their health and go on to lead full and joyful lives.

My prayers go to the surgery/recovery of this young man, to his family, and to the family of donor who is making this possible.

My prayers & good thoughts sent for this young man.

Just reading this, Rhizo I will be praying for Michael.

Thoughts of healing and peace for Michael and for the donor family.

thoughts and prayers for all

Sending strength and healing thoughts to Michael and his family.

Prayers being sent!

I had a procedure done there today. Incredibly minor. Such fantastic care from every single team member. It's a stellar place for healthcare. He's in the most caring hands. Promise.

I have a good feeling that all will be well and am praying my feelings are correct! So far it seems that he has received excellent medical care and I have high hopes it will continue. Prayers and best of thoughts for Michael and his family and for the doctors involved

Do let us know.

Sending up prayers for Michael.

I thank you all so much and will share this thread with Michael and his family at the appropriate time. Your thoughts mean a great deal to me.

His surgery was postponed for several hours today, and the last we heard was that it was scheduled for 3:00 this afternoon. I can't even imagine the anxiety in the waiting room during this time but I expect that they are being kept well informed by the medical staff.

I will absolutely report back when we know something.

Keeping Michael, his family, donor and family, and his medical team in my prayers.

Ditto what hounds said. Thank you for the update.

Praying all went well.

We just received word that the surgery is over, Michael's new heart is beating on its own.

That is wonderful news! Prayers for Michael.

rhizo - What marvelous news. My sons are about Michaels age and the thought of any young man going through this is nerve-wracking. I hope all continues to go well. My thoughts continue to be with this young man and his family and the family of his new heart.

Great news - hope things continue to go well!

That's the best news - what a miracle that surgery is. Thank you for letting us know, realize you've had a very long day....

Thanks for the update. This is wonderful news.

Happy to hear this, Rhizo!!

Thanks just given that Michael's new heart transplant was successful. Prayers continue for him.

Wonderful news and prayers continue for complete success.

Wonderful!!! Thanks for the update.

The news from Michael's family this evening is extraordinary: he had a terrific first day; was up and in a chair twice during the day! They expect to get him on his feet later tonight, can you believe it? After a heart transplant?

Sheesh, I was amazed that Robert was walking the halls the night of his hip replacement!

I doubt that Michael will be strutting around the ICU (!), but I'm just incredulous about this miracle of science.

Rhizo - That is extraordinary news about Michael. It just boggles my mind. Thanks for letting us know................

It boggles my mind, too. I'm just walking around weeping tears of relief and happiness.

God is good! ! !

Rusty

I pray that everything continues to go well for him. Also praying that this news helps the donor's family. I don't know how much they let them know.

Wonderful news! Best to Michael and the family for continued healing. Praying for all.

Miracles still happen and it's always a joy to hear about them.

I am thrilled that a donor and medical science (and art) gave this young man s another chance at life!

What on earth was this lethal virus that nearly killed him?

Latest news is that Michael is doing very well; they removed a tube today that went into his neck to his heart in order to monitor all kinds of different things. Every time they unhook him from something, he becomes a little more mobile....able to leave his bed.

chisue, I don't know any more about what triggered this horrible sequence of events. I'll have to glean more of the details when go to visit, perhaps on Friday. We won't be able to see Michael but can spend time with the family.

I have no idea how much information is exchanged between the donor's family and recipient but they do know that this heart, from out of state, came about as a result of an illness. A member of the Vandy surgical team flew to where ever this patient died, examined the heart, made the decision to remove it and bring it back to Michael.

Every day that passes is positive.

Michael's story is indeed one of miracles. It boggles my mind as to why some are 'chosen' to go through such traumas and then have such miracles happen in the outcome.

A close friend of ours at age 50 suffered a sudden heart involved virus which put him near death and on a heart transplant list. While waiting, he became involved with a Cardiologist who encouraged him be as mobile as possible. His heart became stronger and seemed to heal itself and in a time he was removed from the transplant list. This was all about 25 years ago. It was a long road, but today this man is doing all the things and more than most healthy 76 year old men can do.

May Michael have a long and happy, healthy life!

What a wonderful outcome! Best wishes and a quick recovery for Michael and his family.

Awesome! (Overused word, but perfect in this case!)

Prayers for both on their way.

I'm going to retire this thread after my comment tonight and wanted to thank you all for your prayers and strong thoughts. It has been such an emotional roller coaster for Michael, his family and friends. Most of us feel like our lives have changed, nothing feels the same somehow, our lives are all changed.

Thank you for letting me share this with you. It has certainly been a comfort for me and very meaningful to Michael's family.

Tonight's news is that Michael is going to be stepped down to a different care level....out of ICU, his one on one nursing care, the non stop poking and prodding, etc. This is very good news; Michael is very happy about it. He will be able to interact with other people on the floor and feel more like a normal person, I expect.

Thanks everyone! And yes....it's AWESOME!