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Heart Transplant Transforms Life of Lehigh Valley Surgeon

A life-saving heart transplant has allowed Dr. Neal Stansbury, a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon, to return to his medical practice and pursue his passion for cycling after nearly losing his life to a rare heart condition. Once facing the grim reality of having just two weeks to live, Dr. Stansbury’s journey from patient back to practitioner showcases the transformative power of organ donation.

Dr. Stansbury’s health challenges began when he was just 40 years old, as the lower chambers of his heart fell out of sync. He recalls the moment vividly: “Your heart just basically doesn’t function, and I kind of almost passed out and hit the ground.” Despite undergoing numerous medical interventions, including seven ablations and various medications, his condition worsened over time. “I had gone from winning the National Championship one year to having trouble climbing up a flight of stairs,” he explained.

As his health deteriorated, Dr. Stansbury was placed on the heart transplant list. His fragile state meant that even minor lifestyle changes could trigger organ failure. An Easter dinner resulted in complications so severe that he was temporarily removed from the transplant list. “I was able to get it back under control, but that took eight weeks to happen from just one dinner,” he said.

With the clock ticking, Dr. Stansbury faced the reality of his situation. “I basically said goodbye to my wife and made sure all my affairs were in order,” he said, recalling the moment when doctors informed him he likely had only two weeks left to live. Fortunately, he received a heart transplant that changed everything.

Following the surgery, Dr. Stansbury wasted no time in regaining his strength. He began walking immediately and, within ten weeks, completed a half-marathon in just two and a half hours. “Healing lives every day because I got that second chance,” he said. In his practice at Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health, he now utilizes donated tissues, further emphasizing the impact of organ donation.

Dr. Stansbury has also enjoyed watching his daughters grow up, with two of them entering the medical field themselves. His return to competitive cycling has been equally impressive, despite being told by one of his doctors that he would never race again. “I’m not done. I still want to win that championship,” he asserted.

The story of Dr. Stansbury is not just a personal victory but also a reminder of the profound impact organ donation can have on individuals and families. Rick Hasz, CEO of Gift of Life, encourages others to consider becoming organ donors, noting, “Anyone can register as a donor, though parental consent is needed for those under 18.”

Dr. Stansbury’s experience underscores the importance of organ donation and its ability to grant individuals a second chance at life. His journey from patient to healer serves as an inspiring testament to resilience and the incredible potential contained within each act of giving.

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