For much of his adult life, Todd Semon dealt with the impact of heart disease. He suffered a massive heart attack in 1990 at age 38, which was then followed by a cycle of illness, hospitalizations, and eventually the need for a heart transplant in Fall 1999. The donated heart he received in January 2000 transformed Todd and his whole family. He was able to become active again, drive and play golf, and became a board member of the New York Organ Donor Network. In November 2012, Todd died at home at age 60, offering a living legacy of donated tissue.

Todd's Story

Todd Elliot Semon was born in Wisconsin and moved to Florida after his father's death. He attended school there, became a CPA, and later moved to New York City, where he worked as a stock trader with his brother. Todd loved living in Manhattan with all that it had to offer. He was inquisitive and read voraciously, especially biographies and history. He met his wife Diane in 1980, married two years later and had two daughters, Rebecca and Elizabeth.

There was a history of heart disease in Todd's family: his father and grandfather both died before age 50 due to heart attacks. In 1990, when he was 38 and his daughters were young, Todd suffered a massive heart attack.

Todd went on to have bypass surgery in 1991, then experienced another cardiac arrest in 1997. At that point he received an internal defibrillator (ICD). Life with the ICD was challenging; no longer able to drive, his life became increasingly sedentary. He eventually was placed on the heart transplant waiting list.

Despite the restrictions he faced, Todd joined Diane in volunteering for two groups in support of organ donation. One was the Gift of Life program, which assisted transplant patients at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital with non-medical expenses. They also worked with a friend, herself a heart transplant recipient, to support 'And the Beat Goes On' to fund research grants.

After a four-month hospital stay, Todd received his new heart on Jan. 15, 2000. He enjoyed being able to lead a more active life as well as improved peace of mind. Todd continued his volunteer activities to raise awareness about organ donation and also became a board member of the New York Organ Donor Network.

Todd passed away on November 28, 2012, at the age of 60, having experienced what daughter Elizabeth described as '13 bonus innings'. His donation of tissue is his living legacy.