Transplant Throwback: David Rozelle

David Rozelle, heart transplant recipient

Nombre: David Rozelle

Edad: 86

Hogar: Kalamazoo, Michigan

Trasplante: Corazón

¿Por qué necesitó un trasplante y cuándo sucedió?

I had a serious heart attack in 1984 and made it to a hospital where I flat-lined but was saved. Seventeen years later I was deteriorating rapidly and almost died again. I was transplanted on October 15, 2001.

This was more than 22 years ago. How are you doing?

I’m doing fine. I walk about two miles, three days a week. I travel and I work in a food pantry twice a week.

Do you know anything about your donor?

My donor was a 17-year-old man killed in an automobile accident in Newaygo, MI. He was on his way, with a friend, to work at McDonald’s from high school. I have met his family and I correspond with them occasionally.

What are the most meaningful events or experiences you’ve been able to enjoy because of your transplant?

Most importantly, I was able to resume my career as a college professor and retire six years later on my own terms. I was able to travel with my wife, Sandy, overseas and domestically. We recently celebrated our 60th anniversary. I was able to march in 2020 with the Donate Life float in the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena.

I competed in both the U.S. and international transplant games a total of 10 times and medaled in each of them. I served on Gift of Life committees and emceed the Michigan Donor Family Gathering twice. I won teaching and service awards from Western Michigan University and I’ve met scores of fellow recipients both in Michigan and across America.

Do you know your donor’s family?

Yes, and I talk with them occasionally. I always begin with expressions of gratitude. I always want them to know what they have given me with their selfless act of charity at the worst moment of their lives. They live a much different life than I do, but we have this powerful bond forged in our common experience. For them, it was an almost unimaginable loss. For me, it was an equally unimaginable gift.

Read more in the LifeLINES newsletter

Leer más publicaciones

Dior Chambers is waiting for that life-saving gift

Dior Chambers is no stranger to kidney disease. It has touched every corner of her…

Lee mas

Michigan Senate recognizes April as Donate Life Month, introduces new bills focused on organ, eye and tissue donation education

Today, the Michigan Senate adopted Sen. Kevin Daley’s (R-Lum) resolution to recognize April 2025 as…

Lee mas

“I’m so thankful I’m here and for the gift of life”

Brett Bowman, from Woodhaven, Mich., was born with cystic fibrosis. Growing up he was in…

Lee mas
GOL logo image for new office phones

CBS Evening News shows organ donation in action at Gift of Life Michigan

Gift of Life Michigan opened its doors to CBS Investigative Correspondent Tom Hanson last summer,…

Lee mas
Londel Cook is living life to the fullest after his kidney transplant.

“Where I was, was not who I was”

When Saginaw-area resident Londel Cook was diagnosed with end stage renal failure at a young…

Lee mas
Shalonda Griffin with her late husband, Greg Jones

Turning pain into purpose

Gift of Life Michigan Community Outreach Coordinator Shalonda Griffin’s late husband Greg was the ‘greatest…

Lee mas
Vuelve al comienzo