In the blink of an eye, Kevin Riepl mysteriously suffered end-stage heart failure. His only hope was a new heart, and nine months later his need for a life-saving transplant was met. It was only six weeks after the heart transplant that doctors discovered the reason for Kevin's heart failure: a rare genetic tumor above his adrenal gland. Kevin is extremely grateful for his new heart, his donor and the donor's family, "I am here today because of my donor family. Not only have they given me a second chance at life, but very well saved the lives of my children and family members at risk of this genetic tumor."

Kevin's Story

In the blink of an eye, Kevin Riepl suffered end stage heart failure in October 2010. In the days following, Kevin was supported with a left ventricular assist device, commonly known as an LVAD heart pump. An LVAD helps pump blood through the body, giving the heart a chance to heal. In Kevin's case the LVAD was his bridge to a transplant, and while it came with some limitations, it didn't stop Kevin from living his life to the fullest.

With the help of his wife Tracy, twin boys, family, and friends, Kevin made living with an LVAD his new normal. He pushed forward, not knowing when that call for a new heart would happen. Despite all his pain, Kevin always smiled, embraced the simple things in life, and continued to work as a composer. His love for his family and music pushed him to move on. He never once asked "why me?" Kevin's upbeat attitude about his situation inspired many. Kevin lived with the LVAD for nine months until the call came that a heart had been donated and allocated to him.

It was only six weeks after the heart transplant that doctors discovered the reason for Kevin's heart failure: a rare tumor above his adrenal gland. With Kevin's return to health, the symptoms for this tumor were more recognizable than before, allowing doctors to diagnose and take action. The tumor was removed and thankfully found to be benign. Since the tumor removal, testing determined that the tumor is genetic, with Kevin being the first one in his family to have the condition.

Kevin is extremely grateful for his new heart, the donor and his family. "I am here today because of my donor family," he affirmed. "Did my new heart belong to a son, a father, a brother? I don't know, but I do know they chose to donate life. Not only have they given me a second chance at life, but it may have very well saved the lives of my children and other family members at risk of this genetic condition."

Kevin, Tracy, and their twin boys, with their new perspective on life, work together within the community to spread the word about organ donation. Their story of hope and love has inspired many people to register as organ donors, and will hopefully encourage more in the future.