2016 Ralph Howell

RALPH HOWELL

Heart Recipient

Age 66 ~ Edmond, OK

Retired

Honored by lifeshareok.org

At 2 a.m. on October 14, 2012, just one week before his 62nd birthday, Ralph received the call that there was a new heart available for him.  It had been eight years since he was first diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a degenerative heart disease that over time, left his heart function at 5-10 percent.  After years of failed treatments and pacemaker/defibrillator implantations, Ralph received the new heart that he needed. Through the miracle gift of his heart transplant, Ralph was able to continue his life with his wife and children. He is now retired and able to enjoy tinkering on vehicles, riding his motorcycle and enjoying vacations with his wife. Since his transplant, Ralph has created a special bond with his donor’s family and acts as a grandfather to their children.

Ralph’s Story

While at my yearly physical in 2004, my family doctor was so alarmed by the sound of my heart beat, he sent me directly to a cardiologist. After several tests, I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. In my case it was caused by a virus that left my heart function at just 30 percent.  For years it was treated with medication but by 2010 my disease had progressed. I had to have a pacemaker/defibrillator implanted. By early 2012 my heart function had dropped to 5-10%. I had to have a heart pump put in and the only chance to save my life was a transplant.
At 2 a.m. on October 14, 2012, just one week before my 62nd birthday I received the call that there was a new heart for me. Words cannot describe the feelings someone has when they get that call. Through the miracle gift of my heart transplant, I am able to continue my life with my wife and children.
I am now retired and am able to enjoy tinkering on vehicles, riding my motorcycle and enjoying some trips with my wife.
Through LifeShare I was able to communicate with my donor’s wife and we have made a real connection with her and her two children, visiting several times a month. The children call me Grandpa Ralph.
There is not a day that goes by that I don’t thank God and my donor for giving me another chance at life.