Transplant Recipients
Julie's Story
"My husband Mark underwent heart transplant surgery last year at the age of 35. He
was suffering from the effects of a heart virus and if he didn't get a heart he would have
died from complications of congenstive heart failure. We waited 13 months for a donor
heart to become available. On February 7, 2002 we finally got the call and Mark
received his new heart on February 8, 2002 at Cedars Sinai hospital in Los Angeles.
Since his surgery, Mark's health has completely returned and we are enjoying exploring
life's adventures again. We both are avid SCUBA divers, hikers, skiers - we love the
outdoors. To be given a second chance at life is truly a miracle. The donor program does
work - I think it is important to share these stories because it helps people to understand
how important it is to be an organ donor." -Julie Goodson Bursek