Ron Walker,
Double Heart Transplant Recipient

From my days in high school, I have always loved to sprint and run hurdles so Track and Field became my passion. I became nationally ranked in hurdles and trained with Olympics athletes such as Renaldo Neamiah and Edwin Moses who helped fine tune my skills which enabled me to get to the Olympic trials in 1988.

After College, I left the military and joined my Local Police Department in Newport News, Virginia where I became a Member of the SWAT Team and a Field Training Officer. One morning as I was running, I began coughing non-stop and ended up in the hospital with the diagnosis of an enlarged heart. The doctors informed me that I was in need of a heart transplant. Despite my uncertain future, I stayed optimistic as I awaited a transplant.

On October 1, 1988 I received my new heart with a promise to my family and doctors that I would keep this heart healthy which I did for 20 years. Unfortunately, I was stricken with coronary artery disease and, once again, was placed on the transplant list. With this diagnosis, I was told that I may not survive the wait for a new heart.

Fortunately, on Easter Sunday, 2008 I received my second heart transplant and another chance at life. I live with the knowledge always that my life was saved because someone passed away. Being a survivor of a double heart transplant, I wanted to find something that would allow me to give back to people in similar situations. The Bob Swanson Give A Life Foundation has given me that opportunity. By informing the public on the importance of organ donation and how to become an organ donor, I hope that others will be as fortunate as I have been by strangers who gave me the “Gift of Life”.

I don’t take it for granted and hope that others will sign an organ donor card or sign-up on the FL Organ Donor Registry by clicking here. And, tell your family about your wishes.

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