Former NBA player Scot Pollard recently underwent a life-saving heart transplant after battling a hereditary condition that led to his heart deteriorating rapidly. The 49-year-old, who played 11 seasons in the NBA and was a member of the Boston Celtics championship team in 2008, received the much-needed transplant at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Pollard, who stands at 2.11 meters tall and weighs 118 kilograms, faced challenges in finding a suitable donor heart due to his size. However, after being placed on the second-highest priority for organ transplants, Pollard received the life-saving transplant just nine days after being admitted to the hospital.
Although Pollard does not know the identity of his donor, he is grateful for the opportunity to live and plans to write a letter to the donor’s family expressing his gratitude. He hopes to establish communication with them and show them how their loved one’s heart is helping him and others.
Since the successful surgery, Pollard’s health has greatly improved, and he is already up and moving again. He plans to use his experience to raise awareness about organ donation and encourage others to become donors.
Pollard’s wife, Dawn, who has since become an organ donor herself, shared that their journey has highlighted the importance of organ donation and the impact it can have on saving lives. Pollard’s determination and positive attitude have impressed his medical team, who cheered him on as he walked out of the hospital following his discharge.
As Pollard continues his recovery in Nashville, Tennessee, he is grateful for the second chance at life he has been given and is determined to make the most of it by advocating for organ donation and helping others in need.