When Tim arrived at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University on September 15, 2023, his ejection fraction, which measures how much blood is pumped with each heartbeat, was 10 percent.

Dr. Uriel says a typical healthy average is about 55 to 60 percent.

“It was an emotional roller coaster for him to be evaluated for transplantation, be on the list, and wait for a new heart,” said Dr. Uriel, who is also a professor of cardiology at Columbia University Vagelos Physicians. Surgeon and adjunct professor in the Department of Cardiology at Weill Cornell Medical College.

“But from the nurses to the pharmacists to all the care teams in the intensive care unit, we took a village to look after Tim. This village is full of heroes who made sure the transplant was as successful as possible. did.”

“The care we received at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University was incredible from the beginning. It was the best place I could think of,” says Tim. “Dr. Uriel stood out as someone who made me feel safe and that gave me strength.”

During his nearly three-month stay at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University, Tim received frequent visits from friends and family. Back in his hometown, the villagers rallied around Kate and his son, mowing lawns, delivering meals and offering support.

“As a health care provider, it’s very powerful to meet a patient’s family and understand why they are fighting so hard for their lives,” Dr. Uriel says. “It’s a constant reminder of how fragile life is. It makes me even more motivated to help them get where they need to be.”

A music lover, Tim was encouraged by a member of his care team who lent him a guitar to play.

“When I’m feeling down, all it takes is a nurse, doctor, physical therapist or EKG technician to have a quick conversation with me and cheer me up in my fight,” he says.

On November 14, Tim received word that a donor heart was available. Kate recalled that staff visited his room and wished him luck as he prepared for his transplant surgery.

“It was a really emotional and wonderful moment,” she says.

“When they told me how many heart transplants the hospital was doing, I was really surprised,” says Tim. “I felt confident that I was going to be okay.”