Bill Ismer’s severe heart attack put him at death’s door. He survived many months before a donor heart became available. William ultimately married his favorite cardiac nurse, saying “I waited all year for my heart, and when I got it, I gave it away.”

Bill's Story

In 1998, Bill Ismer had a first-time heart attack at the age of 54. It left his heart badly damaged, and he was told to prepare for the worst. “With those words, I did just that. But what I thought to be the worst for my life, actually turned out to be the best,” the former law enforcement officer recalled.

When Bill arrived at Tampa General Hospital (TGH) in early January 1999 for a heart transplant evaluation, doctors gave him 48 hours to live. He was approved as a transplant candidate and put on the list. He survived but found the wait difficult, especially knowing that someone would have to die in order for him to live. For months, Tampa General Hospital became his home, and the staff became his family.

Finally, on October 28, 1999, the call came that a matching heart was available. “The generosity of people I didn't even know gave me the chance I'd been waiting for. And in seven days, I was home and my new life began,” said Bill. “I waited all year for my heart and when I got it, I gave it away. I married my favorite cardiac nurse. We were married on 4-21-00, and I was the 421st heart transplant at TGH. Our life has been incredibly blessed since my transplant.“

Just six months after his transplant, Bill and his new wife started river rafting. Since then, they have traveled throughout the United States in their RV. He has learned to play the piano and has become part of his church choir and praise band.

Bill and his wife also try to give back as much as possible. “We talk to all kinds of organizations about the importance of being organ donors, and we truly feel the donors are the true heroes of the world. What we would give to be able to thank our donor family in person. We have written letters, but we respect their privacy,” he said.

The Ismers now volunteer at TGH with the Integrative Medicine Program. Bill has become a music therapist and uses music as a healing modality for patients.

“Often it is a patient in the very room I was in, or the intensive care unit where I spent time. I enjoy talking to pre- and post-transplant patients and giving them hope for their future,” said Bill. “We stress the importance of using guided imagery, relaxation, prayer, healing touch and music as ways to help in healing and dealing with each circumstance we encounter. We encourage the acceptance stage each new organ recipient goes through after transplant. We encourage patients to write letters to their donor families. Many times the families have met and formed close bonds for years to come.”