Carl Drury thought he could save himself from a death sentence. At age 40, he was a successful businessman and in denial when told he needed a heart transplant, even though an uncle and a 26-year-old cousin had both received new hearts. Carl’s life changed when he was hospitalized and given an artificial heart until a donor heart became available. Carl married his fiancée Bobbi in the hospital chapel on November 20, 2004, and approximately three hours later, a donated heart was allocated to him – the ultimate wedding gift.

Carl's Story

A self-proclaimed type-A personality, Carl Drury thought he could save himself from a death sentence. At age 40, he was a successful businessman and in denial when told he needed a heart transplant, even though an uncle and a 26-year-old cousin had both received new hearts.

Carl’s life changed when he was hospitalized and given an artificial heart until a donor heart became available. “After praying with my pastor, I knew that God would provide a new heart,” said Carl. “I also knew that God wanted me to do three things: make a video about my situation and impending heart transplant; marry my fiancée Bobbi; and spend the rest of my life working to make people aware of organ donation and transplantation.”

Despite his condition, Carl went to work immediately. He and his pastor made the video a few days later in his hospital room. Then Carl talked with Bobbi about getting married as soon as possible. She finally agreed to marry him in the hospital, but on the condition that he had to plan the wedding himself. With the help of doctors, nurses and other staff, Carl and Bobbi were married in the hospital chapel on November 20, 2004. That night, the last thing Bobbi said to Carl’s nurse was “wouldn’t it be nice if we got a heart as a wedding gift?”

Approximately three hours later, the nurse awoke the newlyweds to let them know that a donor heart was available. Carl came out of surgery at 4:30pm, exactly twenty-four hours after the wedding. The video that Carl and his pastor made was viewed during a special prayer service at their church at 6:00 pm the same day.

Today, at 46, Carl is fulfilling his commitment by being a dedicated Indiana Organ Procurement Organization and Donate Life Indiana volunteer, and speaking to local businesses and clubs, as well as high school health and drivers education classes. He also made a career change and now works for an organization that counsels the wealthy on good stewardship of their time, talents and treasures.