Courage and innovation: Celebrating heart transplantation gala

Jeevanandam and patient gala universal

More than 400 people, including 120 heart transplant recipients, gathered at the Museum of Science and Industry to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first successful human heart transplant.

The Feb. 24 Courage and Innovation: Celebrating Heart Transplantation gala was sponsored by the University of Chicago Medicine’s Heart and Vascular Center and featured the history of the first heart transplant, a look at the innovative technology developed since, and an inspirational patient story.

Transplant patient Pam Morris-Walton was among those who attended and spoke briefly about her experience.

“When I ended up at the University of Chicago Medicine, Dr. Uriel looked me in my face and said, ‘Do you want to live?’ And that was it,” said Morris-Walton. “Between him, Dr. Gene Kim and the most wonderful, best surgeon in the world, Dr. Val Jeevanandam, they saved my life. “

The event was hosted by Valluvan Jeevanandam, MD, chief of cardiac and thoracic surgery and director of Heart Transplant and Mechanical Assist Device programs; and Nir Uriel