Heart transplant survivors celebrate World Transplant Day in Central Texas
AUSTIN, June 6, 2026 — As Bob DeWitt lay in a hospital bed with 10% heart function, awaiting a rare O-negative donor heart, the former triathlete flashed a defiant ‘V’ sign to his wife – a promise to keep fighting. That determination, forged across 14 Ironman triathlons, would carry him through a lifesaving transplant at Ascension Seton and into a hard-won recovery. In recognition of World Transplant Day (June 6), the American Heart Association is sharing powerful stories like DeWitt’s – and that of fellow heart transplant recipient Jose Lopez – to spotlight how scientific innovation, clinical excellence and community engagement are giving patients a second chance at life across Central Texas.
For DeWitt (66), resilience has always been second nature. But his most personal challenge began in 2025, when his heart function dropped to a critical level, forcing him to wait in the hospital for a suitable donor. Following a challenging recovery, DeWitt committed to his daily rehabilitation with a new goal: to surf again within the year. When he was discharged from the hospital, he played ‘Walking on Sunshine’ by Katrina and the Waves – a song that, at 110 BPM, is the right tempo for Hands-Only CPR – while ringing the celebratory transplant bell.
Similarly, Jose Lopez’s story underscores both the unpredictability of heart disease and the power of transplantation. An active cyclist, hiker and gym-goer with no prior symptoms, Lopez (47) suffered a sudden, severe heart attack in October 2024. His heart function plunged to just 5-7% and went into cardiac arrest during transplant evaluation. He was placed on advanced life support, classified as the region’s sole Category 1 priority transplant patient and received a matching donor heart within two weeks. After eleven days, he was discharged and now has returned to the gym.
Stories like DeWitt’s and Lopez’s are only possible thanks to decades of scientific advancement supported by the American Heart Association. As the largest non-governmental funder of cardiovascular and stroke research, the Association has invested more than $6.1 billion in scientific research since 1949, helping shape modern medicine, including advances in transplant techniques and post-transplant care.
As a Live Fierce, Be Relentless sponsor, Ascension Seton continues to support the American Heart Association’s mission to create a world of healthier, longer lives. Through advanced heart failure programs, transplant services and multidisciplinary care teams, Ascension Seton is helping more patients return to active, meaningful lives – and impact their own communities.
In the year since his release, Lopez has focused on sharing his experiences with friends and family members to spark lifesaving action. Knowing that early detection is one of the most important preventative steps, Lopez encouraged six friends and family members, including his younger sibling, to seek cardiac screenings.
In the Central Texas community and the medical system alike, the American Heart Association and Ascension Seton are advancing a future where more patients receive second chances and the strength to keep fighting.
For more information about heart transplants and the American Heart Association’s research and innovation, visit: Heart Transplant | American Heart Association
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Michael Vybiral: michael.vybiral@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
