Vietnam Vet 10th Anniversary of Heart Transplant!
Veterans Day Story of Hope: Local Vietnam Veteran Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Lifesaving Heart Transplant
(Green Brook, NJ) – By Gary Mignone
As we honor the brave men and women who served our country this Veterans Day, Joseph Doll, a Vietnam veteran from Green Brook, reflects on his own incredible journey – not only as a proud serviceman but as a heart transplant recipient who recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of his lifesaving transplant.
A decade ago, after battling advanced heart failure due to his service-related exposure to Agent Orange, Joseph received the ultimate gift – a new heart – thanks to the selflessness of an organ donor. Today, Joseph enjoys precious moments with his family, moments he once feared he would never experience. In addition, Joseph has become a passionate advocate for NJ Sharing Network, using his story to raise awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation.
“Organ donation gave me my life back and has allowed me to experience many incredible moments. I encourage everyone to register as organ and tissue donors. You can truly make a difference and save lives,” said Joseph.
From Vietnam Veteran to Heart Transplant Survivor
Joseph Doll’s battle with heart disease began early in life. At the age of 21, shortly after returning home from military service in Vietnam, Joseph was diagnosed with chronic hypertension. Despite undergoing multiple heart procedures over the years, including a triple bypass and valve replacements, his heart condition continued to worsen.
“I was doing everything I could to stay strong, but I knew I needed more than what medications or procedures could provide,” said Joseph. “When I was told I would need a heart transplant, I placed my faith in the hands of my doctors and God.”
Joseph’s journey to transplant was fraught with emotional and physical challenges. In addition to his own medical battle, his wife, Harriette, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Their daughter Carrie and her husband Nathan were also expecting the birth of their first child at the same time.
On October 16, 2014, Joseph’s prayers were answered thanks to a successful heart transplant at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.
“Words cannot express the gratitude I have for my donor Steven and his family. They gave me the ultimate gift – a second chance at life. I honor them every day by living fully and appreciating every moment,” said Joseph. “Meeting Steven’s family in person at NJ Sharing Network was one of the most profound moments of my life. We are like family now.”
Adding to his many blessings, Joseph celebrated the birth of his first granddaughter, Reagan, just two days after his heart transplant. Joseph also shared the heartening news that Harriette had her cancerous thyroid removed seven weeks after his transplant and enjoyed many years of good health. Though Harriette is currently facing a new health challenge with uterine cancer, they remain hopeful and continue to support each other through every step.
Now, ten years after his transplant, Joseph remains active, shares his story to inspire others, and continues to advocate for NJ Sharing Network’s lifesaving mission.
“I’m not wasting a second. I go for long walks, I travel, and I spend as much time with my family as I can. Waking up every morning and knowing I get to be here for these moments is the greatest feeling,” said Joseph. “I am living proof of the difference an organ donor can make. It’s the greatest gift you can give – saving someone’s life.”
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), over 100,000 Americans are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, with nearly 4,000 of them in New Jersey. One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others. However, the opportunity to give the gift of life is extremely rare – not everyone who registers as a donor is able to donate after they pass away. In fact, less than 1% of all deaths meet the specific medical criteria to be an organ donor. This underscores the pressing need for more registered donors.
To learn more about organ donation, get involved, and join the National Donate Life Registry, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.