Wholehearted Game
(This story appeared on page 8A of the
September 29, 1996, Columbia Missourian.)
Written by Sid Perkins of the Missourian Staff
The men who played softball at Stankowski Field on Saturday had more in common than the red shirts on their backs or the sneakers on their feet. Each had cheated death and won. Each was a heart transplant recipient.
About 10 of the 61 Missourians who received heart transplants at University Hospital and Clinics since June 1989 were on hand for their annual softball game. For each of these men, the simple act of hitting a ball and running to first base had been only a dream before someone else's death had given them a new lease on life.
Darrel Cash, 60, of Thayer, received the hospital's first heart transplant on June 23, 1989. he described the difference in his condition before and after his transplant as "different as night and day.
"Before my operation, I couldn't even walk across the room to get a cup of coffee," he said. "Now, I wouldn't know I'd even had a transplant if I didn't have to take my medicines."
Less than a year after his transplant, Cash returned to commercial hay-cutting and was working from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., he said.
"I've been around for seven years since my transplant," he said. "If things keep on going, I''' be here for another 20."
Bill Echternacht, 69, of Leonard, received his heart transplant less than four months ago. Echternacht ventured into left field during the first inning and chased down foul balls with great enthusiasm.
"I can't believe I feel this good. I don't even think I should be out here, but that's more because of my vision than my heart," he joked.
Possibly the most dramatic change in physical condition was evidenced by the recipient of heart transplant No. 26. Danny White, 42, of Columbia, was a silver medalist in the 100-meter sprints at the Transplant Olympics, a national competition held in August.
"Before my transplant, I couldn't do anything," he said. "I was like an 80-year-old man. It was a living hell."
White waited for two and a half years for his transplant and at one point was given just two weeks to live, he said. White's condition then worsened, and he actually reached the point where doctors were explaining to him what it would feel like when the life support machines were turned off. As he and his wife listened, another team of doctors burst into the room to tell him that a heart had become available.
"I died and was reborn in that same minute," he said.
Dr. Jack Curtis, director of the transplant program at University Hospital and Clinics, was on hand to marvel at the improvements in the lives of his transplant patients.
"Heart transplantation isn't the fountain of youth and doesn't confer immortality, but it does extend useful and productive life," Curtis said. "You can see that by the results here today."
---[
Copyright 1996 by Missourian Publishing Association Inc.
All rights reserved.
---[