An
Ohio heart transplant recipient, Adam Burkhart, is honoring the man who saved his life in a very special and unique way - he named his daughter, Mattyn, after him. There was a time when Adam did not know if he would live long enough to have a family, but now, thanks to his donor, Matthew, he is enjoying every day with his wife and two daughters.
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| English: The illustration shows the major signs and symptoms of heart failure. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
At the age of six(6), Adam was diagnosed with familial cardiomyopathy. Unfortunately, the disease runs through this mother's side of his family. The disease did not affect Adam until one day, at the age of 17, he could not run anymore while playing soccer. Doctors diagnosed him with
heart failure, and he learned a transplant was in his future. In September 2000, Adam received the
life-saving heart transplant he needed and has been in good health since.
Since his transplant, Adam has advocated for
organ and tissue donation and met the parents of his donor. When he asked them about naming his daughter after their heroic son, they were thrilled. What a great way to say "thank you" and continue the life-saving legacy of Adam's donor, Matthew.
If you would like to read more about Adam, Matthew, and Mattyn's story, you can do so on
www.ZanesvilleTimesRecorder.com in their article titled
"Local Man Names His Daughter After Donor Who Saved His Life" by clicking
here.
For more information about organ and tissue donation and to register as a donor where you live, please visit our website,
https://SaveLivesTN.org/, by clicking
here.
