Update - New Heart Received and Going Home

May 29, 2005 - Hershey, PA

On May 6, I was admitted to the Hershey Medical Center, to begin more intensive

Video: Leaving Hershey

heart treatment in preparation for a transplant. The very next day, I had an heart pump implanted a procedure that meant my hospital stay would be permanent until I received a new heart.

That news came much faster than anyone anticipated and on my birthday, a member of my care team visited my room and told me that a donor heart was available. Just one day later I received that heart.

Since then, I’ve been in recovery, hitting every milestone I’ve needed to reach to put myself in a position to go home early next week.

During this time, I launched a gratitude project called #SockIt2Paul. The response has been overwhelming. I’ve received an outpouring of love and support from family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers. I can’t adequately put into words what that has meant to me, but I truly believe it helped save my life.

And through it all, I’ve had the most incredible partner by my side. My wife, Jenne, has stood by me in every possible way. She is the very definition of in sickness and in health, until death do us part. I would not have made it through this without her strength, her belief in me, and her endless love.

Countless family members, including my kids, my dad, my sister, and my cousin Maura, sat with me for hours just so I wouldn’t be alone. Friends showed up — some of whom I hadn’t seen in 25 years! I heard from people all around the world.

At some point, I’m sure I’ll gain deeper insights into why this happened to me and why I received such extraordinary support. But two things are already very clear:

1. I am incredibly blessed to have received world-class medical care — right here in my own backyard — and I believe my alma mater played a role in saving my life.

2. When you build a career rooted in helping others achieve their hopes and dreams, without expectation of return, you can make a real difference — for your institution and for the people it serves.

Despite the fear and uncertainty, I know now more than ever that I have so much more to give with the time I’ve been granted.

Thank you to everyone who has lifted me up during this journey.