Billy's Journey: From Heart Transplant to Recovery

Many of you know, Billy was diagnosed with heart failure in October 2022. He managed his illness for nearly 2 years before being hospitalized again in October 2024. It was discovered that Billy’s heart failure had worsened and he would need to stay. He was transferred from Morristown Medical Center in NJ to NYU Langone in Manhattan to begin his journey to heart transplant.

Over time, intensive medicinal therapy failed to improve his heart function. He required multiple support devices to keep him stable while waiting for a new heart. First, an intra-aortic balloon pump. Then, the Impella. Finally, as other organs began to succumb to the effects of heart failure, he required ultimate support. Billy was placed on ECMO - a life-saving medical technology that provides temporary support to the heart and lungs when they are unable to function adequately. It acts as an external heart-lung machine, taking over the functions of these organs.

6 days later, on December 1st, 2024, Billy received his new heart! The transplant surgery was long, but a tremendous success! As days went by and what should have been the end of his suffering, Billy began losing function and feeling in both of his legs. It was discovered that at some point he suffered a spinal cord stroke - permanently affecting multiple levels of his spine, thus leaving him paralyzed.

A stronger, healthier, and robust heart granted Billy freedom and peace of mind from his heart failure. But now he faces a new world of challenges.

Billy remains at NYU while simultaneously recovering from transplant surgery and attending rehab. He works tirelessly every day with physical and occupational therapy to regain strength and learn to function in daily life from a wheelchair. Despite the significant toll all of this has taken on his body, mind, and spirit, he remains optimistic, determined, and incredibly grateful. For Billy, his mission is to live to the fullest every day in honor and eternal gratitude of the donor and their family for their sacrifice and gracious gift of life.

This event has exhausted us in many ways, but we must go on. Billy is expected home soon. He will require a range of medical equipment and assistance in order to safely and effectively resume life as a loving and very active father, partner, brother, friend, and son, etc.

Many of our gracious loved ones, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances are asking how they can help us. We would be thankful for any support given here to alleviate stress and help Billy gracefully exceed the challenges that lie ahead.

We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

⁃ Billy, Holly & The Girls