David Waits, who received a heart transplant at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center (UCMC) in February, shared his story and what it meant to him receive a second chance at life.
David Waits, who received a heart transplant at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center (UCMC) in February, shared his story and what it meant to him receive a second chance at life.

Local resident and heart transplant recipient thankful for second chance

The Adams County Regional Medical Center (ACRMC) celebrated National Donate Life Month by raising the Donate Life month flag on April 21 at the hospital.

Hospital staff including Roland Gee, ACRMC CEO and representatives of LifeCenter Organ Donor Network and community members came together to pay tribute to those that have given the Gift of Life as organ, eye and tissue donors. LifeCenter’s Executive Director, Barry Massa thanked the ACRMC staff for their commitment to donation and emphasized the importance of donation education.

David Waits, who received a heart transplant at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center (UCMC) in February, shared his story and what it meant to him receive a second chance at life. He also encouraged others to register to be organ, eye and tissue donors.

Following the ceremony, attendees moved outside and Ken Johnson blessed the flag before it was raised. Mr. Waits then released a single balloon in honor of his donor.

Locally, more than 600 people are on the waiting for an organ transplant and nationally, more than 120,000 people are on the waiting list. Everyday 21 people die waiting for a transplant in the U.S.

LifeCenter’s mission is to save, enhance and change lives through organ and tissue donation. LifeCenter is a non-profit organ procurement organization that facilitates organ and tissue donation and serves 16 counties in Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana. For more information, visit www.lifepassiton.org.

From left, LifeCenter representatives, Barry Massa, Andi O’Malley, Cheri Moore, ACRMC’s Rachel Cummings, David Waits, heart recipient and his wife Carol Waits, UCMC’s Jaya Agrawal, MD, and Roland Gee, ACRMC CEO.
From left, LifeCenter representatives, Barry Massa, Andi O’Malley, Cheri Moore, ACRMC’s Rachel Cummings, David Waits, heart recipient and his wife Carol Waits, UCMC’s Jaya Agrawal, MD, and Roland Gee, ACRMC CEO.