“I could not believe it when I received the call on a Sunday afternoon,” said Ian. “The nurses and doctors that took care of me before, during and post-surgery are unbelievable."
A Heart Transplant Put 54-year-old New Jersey Man on the Winning Track
Six years ago, Ian Bilodeau, 54, from Belle Mead, NJ, could barely walk from his front door to his driveway without gasping for breath. Today, he is training for his 7th race since his life-saving heart transplant, the NY Jones Beach Ironman 70.3.
Every morning Ian wakes up at 5 a.m. to begin his training. He swims at least 2 miles a week, bikes 50–75 miles a week and runs at least 5 miles, three times a week. He even has a small gym set up in his basement with a stationary bike, a treadmill, and a weight station, so there are no excuses on rainy days.
This is a far cry from where he was 6 years ago. Ian suffered from cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle that makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body and often leads to heart failure. He managed his condition with medication and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to assist with his irregular heartbeat.
However, his heart continued to decline and at 48 years old, Ian received a life-saving heart transplant from the Advanced Heart Failure Treatment and Transplant Team at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.
Ian can’t say enough about the Advanced Heart Failure Treatment and Transplant Team at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, where he continues to receive post-transplant care. He remembers so many unforgettable moments from the beginning of the process until today.
“I could not believe it when I received the call on a Sunday afternoon,” said Ian. “The nurses and doctors that took care of me before, during and post-surgery are unbelievable. Every follow-up appointment feels like going to see friends…medically competent friends! Words can’t even begin to express my gratitude for this team’s dedication.”
Now with his second chance at life, he pays close attention to his body and listens carefully to his doctor’s instructions. He eats well, hydrates properly and has added yoga to his training to combat cramps.
“Ian’s progress shows that there is no limit for patients after transplant to be the best version of themselves. He is an inspiration to other patients, to me and to our transplant team at the Advanced Heart Failure Treatment and Transplant Program,” states Saurabh Kapoor, MD, Medical Director and Interventional Heart Failure Cardiologist, Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Program, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.
Ian truly believes his positive attitude got him through the difficult time when he was waiting for a heart.
While on the transplant list, he researched as much as he could about what life would be like after transplant. He was particularly inspired by a story of a heart transplant recipient who had completed multiple triathlons and an Ironman competition. “I visualized what my life would look like after the transplant and that story gave me hope that one day, I could potentially lead an active life too.”
Within 6 months of his transplant Ian signed up for his first 3k race and he has been on the move ever since.
Throughout April, National Donate Life Month, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, joins NJ Sharing Network to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation. One donor can potentially save or enhance more than 75 lives.
To register as an organ or tissue donor, please visit registerme.org/nbi.