David is from Slave Lake, Alberta. When he was around 39-40 he was having issues with his heart and was referred to Dr. Dylan Taylor at the Maz. His heart function was at 45% and he took medication for many years to help with his condition, but his heart was gradually deteriorating.

Through his experience at the Maz, he feels that everyone there cares greatly about their patients. At every turn they had an answer and a solution for him. They were there for him. He knew that if he needed help, he would get it right away. Eventually his heart function declined so much that they had to look at new options. He was evaluated for a transplant, but was not eligible – so they offered him a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) or mechanical heart.

Because of the Maz and donor support that helps make the Maz one of the leading complex cardiac care centres in the world, David is alive. David is now in his early 60s. And credits the Maz with keeping him alive for over 20 years.

His experience has changed his perspective. You always think it will be someone else that gets sick. You never think it will be yourself.

“When you are sick like that, you don’t realize how sick you are – you think it’s normal. You only realize how lousy you felt once you are feeling better.”

The biggest change he has noticed now is how much easier it is to breathe.