Hamilton’s Heart Transplant Story

Hamilton is a devoted husband and an incredible father who adores his family. He is normally a very private person, and sharing this journey does not come easily—but the road he and our family are facing is one we cannot walk alone.

Hamilton has already endured more than most. In 2022, he underwent his first open-heart surgery—the Ross procedure—to treat his congenital heart condition. Despite ongoing health challenges, he continued to show up every day for his family with strength, love, and quiet determination.

On December 4, 2025, Hamilton underwent a planned open-heart surgery to repair his aortic root, replace the prior procedure with a mechanical valve, and place a graft. The hope was that these repairs would give his heart the support it needed to function for many more years. Tragically, post-operative complications arose, and Hamilton’s heart ultimately failed. Doctors acted quickly and placed him on ECMO, a life-support machine that temporarily took over the function of his heart and lungs—saving his life.

What followed were some of the most traumatic days our family has ever experienced. The first weeks of December were a true roller coaster—filled with fear, uncertainty, and constant concern about whether Hamilton would survive and what the future might hold.

Hamilton was transferred from Kaiser San Francisco to Kaiser Santa Clara, and ultimately to Stanford Hospital, where doctors determined he was a strong candidate for a heart transplant. In his initial days at Stanford, Hamilton underwent extensive neurological testing, all of which he passed—allowing him to be placed at the top of the heart transplant list.

Each day of waiting was agonizing. Remaining on ECMO without a functioning heart carried immense risk, and we lived moment to moment, clinging to hope.

After 14 days of waiting and praying, a donor heart became available. We are forever grateful to the donor and their family for the extraordinary gift of life they gave Hamilton, while holding deep respect and sorrow for the loss they are enduring. Our hearts are with them.

The Road Ahead

Hamilton’s transplant was not the end of the journey—it was the beginning of a new one. He is now relearning things many of us take for granted, such as speaking, sitting up, and walking. He continues to adjust to his new heart and is currently breathing with minimal support. Despite the challenges ahead, Hamilton fights every single day.

We see his strength and personality shining through in the smallest ways. His facial expressions and nonverbal cues remind us how present and determined he is, and we are deeply thankful for the exceptional care he is receiving from the medical team at Stanford.

As a family, we are fully committed to supporting Hamilton through recovery, rehabilitation, and the long road ahead. Our children miss their dad deeply, and we remain hopeful that one day he will return to being the present, loving father and husband he has always been.

Why We Need Help

In the coming months, we anticipate a significant amount of unexpected expenses as Hamilton adjusts to life as a heart transplant recipient and as our family navigates this new reality while unable to work.

Some of the anticipated expenses include:

Housing & Travel

Medical & Transplant Costs

Rehabilitation & Education

Medication

This list represents only a portion of the short- and long-term support Hamilton and our family will need.

With Gratitude

Friends have encouraged us to create this space for those who wish to help ease the financial burden ahead. We are overwhelmed by the love, prayers, messages, and acts of kindness we’ve received. Your support has carried us through our darkest and most uncertain moments and continues to give us strength and hope.

Thank you for being part of Hamilton’s journey and for standing with our family during this unimaginable time.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Hamilton’s family