Coach Patrick’s Transplant Journey
Patient Ambassador - Patrick Brett’s Journey
Patrick’s transplant journey started young as he was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), a congenital heart defect that caused him to have four open heart surgeries before age 22. He did not let this stop him from living an active life and playing sports throughout his childhood; unfortunately, in 8th grade, he passed out while playing basketball. This led to him receiving an Automatic Internal Cardiac Defibrillator (ACID) and pacemaker on his 14th birthday, ending Patrick’s athletic career. While he could no longer compete, he became a student manager on his high school and college teams and began his coaching career. Growing up with CHD was not always easy and added physical and mental strain on Patrick and his family. Not being able to participate in certain activities often left him wondering, “why me?” which is true of most transplant recipients. Patrick was supported through the process by his family and counselors.
In 2019 Patrick went into heart and liver failure due to non-cardiac-related issues; he was soon added to the transplant waitlist and moved into the hospital on 12/29/2020. He remained there for over six months, waiting for both a liver and heart transplant until 7/3/2021, when he received the gift of life. Partick is now 16 months post-transplant and is back to living life with his three children and wife. He is back coaching high schools sport and his children’s teams thanks to the decision of his donor and their family.
After his transplant, Patrick struggled to fully comprehend what had transpired and cope with the changes that come with transplantation. As his recovery continued, Patrick began to feel better and return to his family life; he uses this experience to help others by speaking with groups in the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Patrick will join the Patient Ambassador Team with CKF and help us spread the message of organ, eye, and tissue and support those going through the transplant experience.
