A New Chapter, A New Blog

All future posts related to this blog are now available at http://beforemyheartstops.blogspot.com

please stop by and visit. I enjoy hearing from you.

Roller Coasters & Heart Transplants

Once I received my heart transplant I didn't think I would be able to ride roller coasters. I've always believed the experience of ridin' a coaster in and of itself should be prescribed by therapist helping people through hard times. It certainly works for me. I was elated when doctors gave me the go ahead . . . Here is that moment with a few of the youth living in my neighborhood.

I'm Spoiled Rotten

I can't believe it's been almost a year since my heart transplant. I've never felt so alive, blessed, and humbled. I am spoiled rotten. I have a beautiful wife and a beautiful life. Where has the time gone?

Photo: Enjoying an outdoor Peter Breinholt concert

On September 9th, the anniversary of my transplant, I will do two things. First, I will thank God for all he has blessed me wit. Second, I will thank God for the life of my donor. His challenging circumstances lead to an early death and ironically preserved my own life and a few others. I think about this young man every day and with every heart beat I realize I'm on borrowed time. Somewhere beyond this world I hope he knows how deeply indebted I am to him.

As part of the anniversary celebration, I'm looking forward to getting out and seeing many of you on a book tour that my publisher is planning for September through October. I'm still a little amazed someone would want to publish my story, but I'm grateful to my dad for pushing me to do it. Whether I see you or not, I'm hoping "Before My Heart Stops" will help you or someone you know going through a tough time.

Before I sign out I want to share a lyric with you I love written by Carolyn Pearson. She wrote, "Life is for living, for laughing and giving, whether you're happy or not."

Audio Excerpt from Before My Heart Stops

An audio excerpt from Paul Cardall's memoir, Before My Heart Stops, read by the author.



Pre-Order Your Copy
http://www.paulcardall.com or http://www.deseretbook.com/

"Beautifully written. A Powerful true story. I just love happy endings."

-Richard Paul Evans, #1 NY Times Best-Selling Author (The Christmas Box)

"Besides being an example of how far we've come in treating CHDs, Before My Heart Stops is a great example of how to truly live when facing a life threatening CHD and seemingly hopeless situation. Paul faces the challenge with a supportive family and friends but more importantly with an unwavering Faith. Paul has also become a great advocate within the CHD community and is truly living his life with purpose."

-Ty McCathran, Vice President of Advocacy, It's My Heart, Inc.

Please Share this Message with your Friends

I am very excited to have written a book. I never thought that would happen. I am a musician. However, after being encouraged by family, friends, you, and a great publisher I went ahead and put together my story. I was born, essentially, with half-a-heart. God made up the difference.

Please help me share my book, Before My Heart Stops, with your family and friends by copying and pasting the code to embed into your blog.

<object width="300" height="240"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GfWFCdfuHIU&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GfWFCdfuHIU&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="300" height="240"></embed></object>

Or provide this link: http://youtube.com/cardall

Thank you!!

Paul Cardall
http://www.paulcardall.com

My Book, "Before My Heart Stops" coming this Fall 2010

Performance from the Celebrate Life Event

Our Inheritance from God

Henry B. Eyring, one of the great leaders in my faith, discussed a very important truth that has inspired all those who have embraced his wise counsel.

He said, "Your inheritance from God is time. It is capital far more precious than any lands or stocks or houses you will ever get. Spend it foolishly, and you will bankrupt yourself and cheapen the inheritance of those that follow you. Invest it wisely, and you will bless generations to come." [Sermon delivered May 4, 1986, BYU]

For me, receiving a second chance at life because another person's heart beats inside of me makes me think more about the word time. It is a precious commodity. It is a gift.

None of us really know how much time we have left. I thank God everyday for renewing me and granting me more time with my wife and daughter. He performed a miracle.

I’m not surprised. He is a God of miracles.

If another person’s heart can bring me back from the dead why is it impossible for Jesus to raise himself from the dead? Thanks to my donor I live again. Thanks to my Savior and Redeemer I will live forever. I thank Him each day for his mercy and kindness toward our family and I look forward to thanking my donor when my time runs out.

Photo: My Ragnar Family

Until then I'll enjoy my extended family and friends who continue to inspire me.

The week after our hike up the steep Mount Olympus, 12 of my immediate family, a few spouses and cousins were part of a 188-mile relay race called RAGNAR that went through the small towns of Northern Utah. I worked with my Mom as a volunteer along with my cousin Trent. Our team was named after one of our brother's songs called, “Leave it all Behind.”

Each of the 1000 teams had 12 members. They were awake for almost 48 hours running 2 sets aprox. 3-15 miles each, even when the sun went down. They would pass wrist ban to the next team member who would then run their set.

Photo: My sister Caron passing the wrist ban / baton to my youngest sister Jane

Other people I’ve associated with continue to inspire me. Their way of life fuels my desire to spend my time wisely with a good balance of work, service, and fun.

Since summer began, I’ve had opportunity to speak and share my music with thousands of kids and parents attending youth conferences or other church related events. From Houston to Manti, Utah, Seattle/Tacoma to South Ogden, or wherever I go, I meet kind and friendly people who have a light in their eyes focused on learning all they can about our Father in Heaven.

Photo: Teams decorated their cars. This my cute sister Jane standing by a decorated relay-race car.

I’ve attended several charity events where people are gathered because they deeply care about one another. The fund-raiser for my fellow heart transplant friend Mason brought a community together. The support alleviated some of the financial burdens associated with medical expenses. But more priceless than donated funds was the spiritual feeling of love in the large room where people threw their arms around a family in need.

I’ve learned in my short span of time that no matter what comes our way, people genuinely seeking God and striving with all of their whole heart for goodness and charity, are the happy people in our society.

The greatest servant of all said to His disciples shortly before He was crucified for the sins of the world, “He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” (Matthew 10:39)

Scholarship Recipient Sidney Porter

Congratulations to Sidney Porter, the first recipient of the Salt Lake Community College Paul Cardall Scholarship for those affected by a congenital disorder. She recently graduated from North Sevier High School. She was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect at two weeks old. Doctors performed a very difficult surgery preserving her life. Her chronic illness has not stopped her from becoming the young woman she's strived to be. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, Sidney got involved in numberless school activities inspiring others along the way. As she ventures into college and the adult world it will be great to see what she will accomplished.

The committee said there were quite a few people who applied. I appreciate those of you who took interest in this opportunity and encourage you to re-apply next year. I encourage you to be proud of your congenital disorder and let life's challenges fuel your appreciation of life and desire to serve others.

http://foundation.paulcardall.com

SLCC Scholarship Recipient to be Announced!

The recipient of this year's first annual congenital disorder scholarship will be announced the first of next week. Thank you to everyone who applied. As always, from my past experience working as a student leader scholarship director, it is hard to decide among so many qualified people, which is why I formed a committee and didn't view the applications myself.

Note: The Paul Cardall Family Foundation and the Salt Lake Community College Financial Aid-Scholarship office along with the SLCC Alumni formed a committee to carefully review each applicant.

Mission Accomplished!

Photo by Jeffery D. Allred, Deseret News (2010)

Brotherly tribute

Paul Cardall climbs Mount Olympus just 9 months after transplant.

By Erin Alberty

The Salt Lake Tribune

Updated: 06/09/2010 11:22:48 PM MDT

To summit Mount Olympus less than a year after surgery would be a feat for any heart transplant patient.

But Paul Cardall says this is not his big day.

Nine months ago, looking at the behemoth rock face from a hospital window he could barely walk to, Cardall decided to make the epic hike for someone else. Brian Cardall had died a few months earlier, when police stunned him with a Taser during a bipolar episode.

On Wednesday, the anniversary of Brian's death, Paul steps onto the trail. His first major hike in 25 years is in memory of his little brother. Continue reading and see PHOTO GALLERY

With family and friends on top of Mount Olympus
Photo by Jeffery D. Allred, Deseret News (2010)

Paul Cardall celebrates lives of brother and donor from atop Mount Olympus

Published: Wednesday, June 9, 2010 7:47 p.m. MDT

MOUNT OLYMPUS — Exactly one year from the minute Brian Cardall's heart stopped beating, his brother Paul's new heart allowed him stand on top of Mount Olympus Wednesday and thank God for both their lives.

"We got to the peak at 1 p.m., and it was 1:10 p.m. a year ago when Brian was killed. We didn't even plan that, but we got there and realized it," said Paul Cardall, a local musician who took an emotional roller coaster ride along with his extended family last year. As Paul's monthslong wait for a heart transplant continued last June 9, his brother Brian was Tasered by a Hurricane police officer, who was called to the side of a rural highway.

Brian had shed his clothes in a manic episode and was running naked on the road. His wife had called 911. The Taser was deployed and Brian died.

His family, including brother Paul, was devastated by his loss. But their emotional ride took a sharp turn upward in September, when doctors at Primary Children's Medical Center replaced Paul's sick and tired heart with that of a 19-year-old donor.

He and his family viewed the event as a miracle, and Paul vowed his first day back home that he would climb Mount Olympus on the anniversary of his brother's death, as both a tribute to the lost life and the triumph of a new chapter in his own journey.

On the summit, Paul told the family and friends who accompanied him that he wanted to say a prayer "of gratitude for Brian and his life. … It was very simple, with thanks 'for our experience with Brian, knowing him and all his accomplishments and understanding how proud he would be of us.'

Hugging my wife on the highest peak of Mount Olympus next to a mailbox full of letters from others who reached the top. As we opened the lid someone years ago had put in red tape the name "Paul" and there was also a gold plate honoring another person who died named "Brian." Photo by Jeffery D. Allred, The Deseret News (2010)

Continue reading and see 20 PHOTOS From the Deseret News

Alot of Heart in Houston

My family and I were invited to the 2nd annual "It's My Heart" congenital heart defect conference this past weekend in Houston, Texas at the United Way Center. I was one of the speakers.

With almost 20 chapters spread throughout the United States, I'm grateful to know there are so many people organized to help families affected by congenital heart disease.

Folks were anxious to hear from Charles D. Fraser, Jr., M.D., an internationally recognized leader in pediatric and congenital heart surgery, who was recently appointed surgeon-in-chief at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston.

I should note that good surgeons are celebrities to those who have had their children worked on and Dr. Fraser is well loved. He leads a team of more than 100 surgeons representing multiple pediatric surgical subspecialties at one of the nation’s largest children’s hospitals.

Dr. Fraser's, who studied at John Hopkins University, discussed the history of pediatric heart surgery and then focused primarily on what's being done for patient's with single ventricle. He said every case is different and unique. "We've come really far in since our early fontan procedure came into play," said the surgeon. He showed us the number of procedures now available before a person needs a transplant. For example, Dr. Fraser wants more research and practice done towards replacing sections of the heart with gortex, cadaver tissue, and animal tissue before having to go to the length of doing a heart transplants. He was very optimistic and soft spoken about the future of people with congenital heart disease.

Later, we broke into groups and heard from a variety of speakers on subjects like managing stress, future of CHD, and others.

I enjoyed breaking into the teen summit (no parents allowed) with some of the teens and adults discussing their feelings about living with CHD. The gentlemen who led the group discussion has my similar defect and is a psychiatrist at the hospital.

Photo: A few of the adults from the Houston area living with congenital heart disease. It was really inspiring for me to be with this group.

Most talked about what they'd like to do in life, their hopes and dreams. We talked about how hard it is on their parents or loved ones. One by one we talked about each of our different diagnosis. To lighten things up one kid said that in addition to his CHD he had been diagnosed with "awesomeness" but it wasn't contagious.

Overall, organizations like It's My Heart, Intermountain Healing Hearts, Saving Tiny Hearts, ACHA, and the many other foundations throughout our nation are doing great work. I'm so please to be part of this effort to help lift each other.

Two Weeks to My Climb

Last year at this time I sat waiting in an overstuffed chair for a surgical miracle. During those last few days in May 2009 I wrote these words on my blog:

“It's been a tough week. My body is tired. And I'll admit that I've been depressed at times and full of anxiety. Why do I feel so empty? I have every reason to live and love.”

Photo by Jeffery Allred | Deseret News (2009)

Much has transpired since last year and now I am only two weeks away from making an historic climb up Mount Olympus (Utah) in honor of my deceased brother.

I believe I will be the oldest survivor of the Fontan heart surgery from Utah to make this difficult hike post transplant.

Photo: Mount Olympus, Utah

I was so close to death and have known too many who have died.

Because of this, I find myself spending a lot of time doing things associated with the beauty of this world while I am still in this physical body.

Whether it is fishing, hiking, camping, or riding a bike long distances, I can’t stop enjoying the outdoors. I feel close to my brother. Above all, I feel close to God.

I am grateful for the creator of our world and all of the beauty that surrounds me.

Our Father in Heaven has orchestrated a beautiful plan that transcends this world for each us. We can trust God and know this life-time is but a small moment in an eternal view only He understands.

What we do now, matters.

Photo: Fishing the Provo River, Utah

“Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful.

Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path.

You know you will never get to the end of the journey.

But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.”

-Winston Churchill

Gracie's Theme from the Celebrate Life Concert

The full DVD and CD of my first public performance since my heart transplant is being put together and will be available soon.

All of the proceeds from the Celebrate Life Concert gift set will help our family foundation dedicated to aiding those affected by Congenital disorders like Congenital Heart Disease

To Learn More Visit:
http://www.paulcardall.com

Toddler faces rare intestinal transplant

May 14th, 2010 @ 6:27pm

By Carole Mikita (KSLTV)

TAYLORSVILLE -- He is so lively and adorable; unless you see the feeding tubes, you would never know 18-month-old Patrick has a life-threatening condition.

Brian and Emily Hoopes adopted Patrick when he was just a week old. They remember the phone call.

"I was at home one afternoon and got a phone call telling me that there was a little boy who had been born on Halloween. We were kind of surprised because we were not approved to adopt for very long. My case worker went on to explain that his life expectancy was only one or two years," Emily explained.

Patrick was born with short-gut syndrome. Missing more than 95 percent of his intestines, doctors say he will not survive much longer without a rare intestinal transplant.

Continue reading or watch the new story video

What Faith Can Do

As contemplate each day the events that led to my recovery I am grateful for the power of faith people have to access the power of God and keep me around a little longer. Below are the lyrics from a Kutless tune shared with me by my one of my cardiologists.

What Faith Can Do From the album It Is Well

Photo: Getting Labs every week while waiting for my heart transplant

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it's more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don't you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do

Photo: Recovering from one of the many heart caths while waiting for my heart transplant

It doesn't matter what you've heard
Impossible is not a word
It's just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody's scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It'll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

Photo: Making faces days after my successful heart transplant

I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do

Overcome the odds
You do have a chance
(That's what faith can do)
When the world says you can't
It'll tell you that you can!

Photo: Building a snowman with my daughter with a normal healthy heart beating in my chest

I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise

Thanking God

This evening I am thanking our loving God for blessing surgeons and other related medical personnel with the talents, knowledge, passion and wisdom required to sustain the life of a young man who endured a long day of reconstructive heart surgery beginning this morning.

Lawrence E. Corbridge said, "Life is hard, but life is simple. Get on the path and never, ever give up. You never give up. You just keep on going. You don’t quit, and you will make it."

Chief of the Medical Staff by Nathan Greene
http://www.nathangreene.com/product/45/32

Climbing Mountains

I'm having so much fun doing outdoor activities I've never been capable of that I'm excited about one of my next goals, climbing a very special mountain.

As I recovered from my heart transplant attached to oxygen, IVs and several chest tubes draining fluid, I was encouraged by my medical team to get up out of my hospital bed and walk a short distance.

Photo: Standing up the first time after my heart transplant

I was in so much pain and discomfort it would have been easier for me to stay in my hospital bed but my mind and spirit were strong, alive, and anxious to take on another challenge.

Together with my wife Lynnette, father Duane, sister n’ law Anna, and a wonderful nurse, they helped me rise up out of my comfort zone and take the first couple of steps slowly out of my room.

Feeling alive we walked down a hallway followed by another hallway that led to a window overlooking the south end of the Salt Lake Valley.

In the distance, to my left, was Mount Olympus, one of the highest peaks along the Wasatch. This is a nostalgic mountain for me because it overshadowed my childhood home in the early morning hours as the sun rose from the east. The pioneers who settled Utah named the mountain after the highest peak in Greece.

My entire life I wanted to hike this beast of a hill but I didn’t have the heart do it (no pun intended). My younger brother Brian climbed it with ease. As adults he took our youngest sibling Craig up the north face using ropes and the usual climbing gear.

Photo: Looking at Mount Olympus from Primary Children's Medical Center several days after my heart transplant.

As I stood from a hospital gazing out the window at Mount Olympus I had flashbacks of all that had transpired the past year leading up to my miraculous surgery with Brian’s untimely death looming over me. I made a commitment there and then that once recovered I would prepare myself to climb Mount Olympus in honor of my brother.

This is no easy task for a heart transplant recipient or anyone who is not in shape to hike long distances. Most climbers reach the summit following a steep trail that stretches approximately 3.1 miles. It’s like walking upstairs for several miles from approximately 5000 ft in elevation to the thin air of 9000 ft.

When I’ve asked people about the hike some have said, “Oh, it’s easy. Me and my college buddies where up to the top and back down in less than 3 hours” While others comment, “It’s tough, rough, and miserable. I remember it being a 9 hour hike up and down.” There certainly are a lot of ways to look at life.

Photo: Mount Olympus, Wasatch Mountains, Utah

I’ve been preparing by climbing other canyons and staying active playing basketball, walking, and fly-fishing.

On June 9, 2010 I will climb Mount Olympus on the 1 year anniversary of my brother's untimely death. Brian left a wonderful legacy not only in the scientific community with his various publications, but he left behind two beautiful children and a kind wife who is strong through adversity. I want to honor his life and love for God’s creations. He would have done the same for me.

I may not reach the peak, but in my efforts I’ll know in my heart and mind that I’m doing something I have never done before and I’ll know my brother will be smiling from the other side saying, “Well done.”

Miracle Mason

Yesterday I learned great news. My young friend Mason, born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and severe pulmonary vein stenosis, is moving out of the pediatric intensive care unit at the Lucille Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford into a regular hospital room almost tube free.

Truly, Mason's story has been a powerful example of faith on the part of all those involved, especially his mother Summer. From the first day she started a blog for Mason she referred to her son as Miracle Mason.

Everyone who has ever worked on his case fought to keep him around although most were unsure of his future.

The frustration of thinking there was no hope for this young man because of his extremely complicated heart and lung anatomy strengthened his parents resolve to explore all medical options with the hope a pediatric thoraic surgeon could perform a miracle on Mason.

The odds were stacked up against this young man, but his mother was determined to fight on, never looking back, and challenge every option, trying every last resort. To that end, we've witnessed a miracle because of a mother's love. The world needs more mothers like Masons.

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." -Winston Churchill

Raising the Awareness

Photo: Raising the Organ Donation Flag at Ogden Regional Medical Center

Last week I attended an organ donation awareness event just north of my hometown at Ogden Regional Medical Center.

Together with two other organ recipients we briefly shared our story with those in attendance. One had received a kidney from his sister, while another woman received eyes to see, and I obviously a heart.

I continue to be amazed by the process and miracle of organ donation. I am a donor and hope those of you are as well.