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The Mark Opicka Heart Transplant Update Page
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This page is intended to keep the friends and family of Mark Opicka updated regarding his condition during and after his transplant surgery. It will be updated on his behalf as things change and will be updated by Mark himself when he is able.
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Most Recent Update - From the Man HIMSELF!
December 30, 2003 POST TRANSPLANT!
Wow, I can’t believe it has been a year …and what a year as well. It seems like just yesterday when Kelvin and I were in Target shopping for a vacuum that my pager went off. With that one phone call my life changed forever. Ok, it wasn’t just the phone call; it was a bit more complicated then that … like the part about the chest cracking surgery and my old heart being tossed for a new one. Anyway, there has been a lot of water under the bridge since then, some smooth and some rough, and I wanted to take the time to thank you all for your love and support through all of it.
As you know, my transplant happened over New Years, a time which has an entirely different meaning for me now. This year, I can’t help but feel genuinely blessed with the gift I received but on the same note, saddened for the loss that someone had that same night. Somewhere in the world, a family said good-bye to a loved one and made a decision that saved my life and probably many others. This year, when you are bringing in the New Year, please take some time out to make a toast of good fortune towards my donor and his surviving family.
Happy New Years everyone! May you all find happiness, health, and good fortune in 2004.
All my love,
Mark
PS: A thousand thanks to Chris and Lynn for the many wonderful and fun website updates.
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From the May 6th edition of the Seattle Post-Intellegencer:
While waiting for a new heart, Mark Opicka spent hours and hours with dogs waiting for a new home. The Seattle man, a volunteer at the Seattle Animal Shelter since last summer, received a heart transplant in January. “He’s a matchmaker,” explains Christine Titus, volunteer programs coordinator. “He actually comes in and spends this one-on-one quality time with the animals in their run.” Opicka also answers questions from people looking to adopt a new pet. Before his transplant, he spent most of his time at the shelter in the cages with dogs. “Since he’s got the new heart, he’s now able to do more,” Titus says. Opicka is one of 500 people who volunteer at least eight hours a month at the shelter. link to photo/caption
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Become an Organ Donor ...it’s a gift of life!
If you want to be an organ donor
be sure to have it listed on your
driver's license and tell family
and friends of your wishes.
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