February - Heart Awareness Month

FEBRUARY ACTIVITIES DEAR TO MY HEART

You can't put a monetary value on feeling well.  Anyone who has been ill even with a common cold can agree.  Because I felt the way that I did, I considered it was normal until the struggle to breathe worsened.


What would you do with a God-given second chance?  My "calling" in life is to share my story and remind the ill that anything is possible.  The thing I find most often with people is they don't have time to hear the impact this has on the body and on a family.  I wrote on my facebook page that when someone sees me shopping for groceries, or at a basketball game they have no idea of the extreme care I still must take with my health.  It is an assumption that well "he don't need nothin'!"

A new game plan has been developed.  Chapter by chapter I am taking the strategy of X's and O's to explain risk factors associated with heart disease wherever I can.  Not just in February or at special events.  You should see me at Kroger!  Though I am not a doctor, many doctors haven't been where I have.  Certainly I  direct anyone to find a healthcare professional to improve their condition.
Itinerary: Feb. 1    Museum of Aviation
                 Feb. 2    Morehouse School of Medicine
                 Feb. 2    Mayor & Ministers Mtg.
                 Feb. 3    National Wear Red - support women in the fight
                             against heart disease
                 Feb. 4    Mable White Baptist Church
                 Feb. 4    *Book Signing Launch Party*
                 Feb. 7    Warner Robins Rotary Club
                 Feb. 25   The Galleria Mall - Centerville
                       Feb. 27  The International Optimist Club

Hopefully I will hear from the colleges and universities in response to my request to give back to the medical community by sharing my personal experience.  They can hear the story, ask me any questions oh yeah,  buy my book "A Second Chance" arriving January 31. 

~Coach Chip

I'm Rolling Right Along

Most people thought I cared mostly about the win/loss column in the record books.  Like me or not, it is my fair and by-the-book work ethics that gave many something to talk about.  "Relax.  Not everybody has the same work ethic or think like you do," my wife would warn.  

With the blessing of another chance in life, I have learned that I have the same passion when it comes to being able to help people.  Whether they are struggling with heart disease or  interested in learning first hand about heart disease and transplantation as it pertained.  
 

I keep rolling right along researching various topics and reading medical advances since my episode that can help to save lives.  Also I am calling on churches, college nursing/medical programs and organizations that may give me an opportunity to share my story.   


A wealth of knowledge & assistance                                               St. Joseph's nurses provide ultimate ;  
from the transplant coordinators.                                                  care to patients.  Thanks Brooke!
Thanks Tracy and Denise.                   

Even though I "talk heart" and heart-related topics it doesn't mean I can't identify with anyone facing or who have faced a major illness.  I am extremely happy to look into the eyes of an overcomer and listen to the story of another survivor. 

   

Drs. Miller and Jensen take a photo with other

heart transplant and LVAD survivors.  9/11

A CHANGE OF H E A R T

Fourteen months since "the call."

At the time this picture was taken I was five months old  from the transplanted heart.  The baby in the group as we had dinner at Mary Macs in Atlanta. 


We (Cynthia & I) were flanked by some wonderful survivors-- other heart recipients that had some similar symptoms and vastly different experiences.  It was a good time.



A change of heart does happen.  Now I wear a red bracelet with the words "A Second Chance."  Not only is that the name of my upcoming publication, but I present a bracelet to any individual that I hear has been given a second chance in life.  They may have survived cancer, a heart attack, or a car accident.  This is exclusive to the folks that can say they are  able to look into the faces of loved ones after a battle to live and know how priceless that blessing really is. 

But let's remember this touches the lives of the donor family as well.   A common denominator is found love/over/ love.  God loves us immensely and I can't begin to tell you how or why he makes His divine decisions.  I can only remember my wife saying. . . God is faithful."  "It is not as it appears and we will know this when He is ready to let us know."  

I have in me a good heart-- a gift.  The name still unknown; along with hobbies, likes and dislikes.  What I do know is that this hero or "shero" is God's child and He will never fail them.  Wherever their mansion is, He has sent angels to bless us both.  

~  Coach Chip 

P.S. Ever write something and hope it is conveying what you feel?

Working the Clock

Hello again:  It has been a good football season.  I was able to travel with the home team for the last couple of games and enjoy watching the competition on the field of play.  Though we didn't get to the GA Dome state championship this year (lost one game away) it was still a great experience.  Yes, we all want to win, but it is, what it is and we'll support as the team tries it again next year.

It is a good feeling to say next year, to plan and continue to pray for yet another year by His grace.  It is good because last year this time, if you don't mind if I reminisce, was not enjoyable.  My battle with heart disease hampered me from truly enjoying anything.  Instead I was recuperating, having biopsies and wishing for a positive outcome.

It did come for me, a positive outcome, that is.  Life is no game and shouldn't be treated as such.  I have learned through my research of this potentially deadly disease that by the time the National Anthem has played at an event, three people suffering with a cardiovascular related illness has lost their lives. 

It is the season to remember the sacrifices we have made or watched as others who have been challenged all seeking victory.  I don't have to wait for a particular season of the year to reflect and give thanks.  No need for a reminder because when you come so near to loosing your life, you will take a deep breath and let out a "thank you God" that has so much sincerity you won't care who hears it. 

The sport that I played, coached and enjoy [basketball] has started for most teams.  I say "most" because the NBA has a late start *Christmas day* this year.  I am helping the varsity basketball team during home games by running the game clock.  It is official .  I am once again in my element and loving every moment of it.   God allows me to ponder the stark contrast of where I was then;  nearly running out of time to this moment in time as a second chance in life.

Read the heart transplant story,"A Second Chance" coming out in February, 2012.  What story can you share?  Come on, don't worry about who knows about your story of survival. .  tell me about it in the comment portion of this blog.  Are you a survivor?

Small Things Can Give Hope

It's a new day,  A bright and cool 4th of November morning. Yesterday I made a big pot of homemade vegetable soup. I am gonna say it was just in time!  I am looking forward to some simple joys today and the rest of this month in which we talk about being thankful.  I don't want to skip to Christmas too soon. 

I'll probably give my lawn a final going over to get it ready for the season ahead.  Maybe get some new weather stripping for the doors since the ladies in the house are talking about putting socks on their feet.  I love the cool weather.

You see, it's stuff like this that really makes me stop to look at the small things that mean so much.  The journey of battling poor health, pain or discomfort can go  unrealized until something happens directly to an individual or their loved one.  Occasionally, we see reports on television and say, "I can't imagine." We might even shake our head in disbelief.  

On Tuesday evening, I spoke with a former student athlete who I coached in middle school and is now in his 30's.  He wanted to talk shop because he is facing an evaluation for a heart transplant at Emory mid-November.  Before hanging up the phone, I wanted to leave him with hope.   Not knowing what to expect can cause a person to freeze in fear.  You talking fear factor, let someone tell you they are about to do something through your jugular.   I reminded him to repeat the promises of God--I am living proof He will bring him through and that he can one day feel better.

Have a good weekend.  Give God glory that because of Him you (we) are able.  And tell Him you see His works even in the small things.

Coach Chip

One Year Ago Today - November 3, 2010

TODAY 11-2-2011 IS MY SECOND BIRTHDAY!!  In the early morning hours of November 3, 2010, I was taken to surgery for the transplantation of a new heart.  This surgery was just three weeks after having my chest opened to implant a machine that would pump blood throughout my body (BiVAD).  I remember scribbling notes to my family after the 4.5 hour surgery.  Mostly to have the breathing tube removed.  Hated that thing.  Yet thankful to hear their voices. I remember responding to one of their many questions scribbling, "I'm content."


I am thankful for those of you that sent up prayers for me and my family.  I am still running into people saying they were in prayer for us.  I am thankful for your help during fundraising campaigns or those who just take time to listen.  Remember to take nothing for granted.   As a matter of fact, my wife and I make sure to slow one another down so not to find ourselves "too busy" to be thankful.  


I am filled with eager anticipation to know the family of my donor.  I was told by St. Joseph's hospital officials that it would be one year before I could know (only if they are interested as well).  I want to give them an embrace that speaks volumes.  I wish I knew what to say.  I have had a whole year to rehearse it.  I think when the time comes, we will not have to say a word.  We will notice that from somewhere there will be an overwhelming peace.  That's what I'm hoping will fill the awkwardness.  A God moment where there will be "peace that passes all understanding." 


What would you do with a God-granted second chance in life?  My mission is to share my experiences, information, inspiration and commonalities with others daily.   In the publication of my first book, I will tell about what happened to me and how God allowed me to have  "A Second Chance."


Coach Chip

1 Life + a  2nd Chance = 3rd November

It All Came Together at the ZUMBA Party

The Anniversary ZUMBA Fitness and Health Fair with all the hard work came together on Saturday morning the 22nd of October at 9:00 a.m. Private physician consultations were available, free health screenings, giveaways and the ZUMBA party.

Several medical professionals at the event visited our community for the first time from the Northeast Georgia Heart Center, Gainesville, GA; St. Joseph's Hospital, Atlanta, GA; and The Georgia Heart Center in Macon joining the doctors from Warner Robins to provide  information to participants.  I was happy to introduce them to one another as well as former coworkers and friends.  

 
Thanks to all for your support of the Anniversary ZUMBA Fitness & Health Fair!  
Dr.  W. Steve Wilson, M.D.

Dr. Laura Koch, DMD, PC

Fatz Café

Fit & Firm Fitness for Women

Five Star Nissan

Food Lion #1076

Franklin Battery

Fresenius Medical Care

Houston County Church of Christ

Houston Lake Country Club

Houston Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, P.C.

Impressive Linens by Amanda

International City Golf Club

Kinnebrew Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, P.C.

 LegalShield (Jackie McLear)

Let’s Plan Memorable Events, LLC

Mary Kay

Medical Center of Central GA

Mrs. Elnora Seabrooks-Fluellen

Mrs. Terri Minter

New Hope Int’l New Era Ministry

Northeast GA Heart Center

NowBeth

Ocmulgee Dairy, Inc.

Pampered Chef

Perry Country Club

Pop’s Barbershop

St. Joseph’s Hospital

The Husband Club

The Valley Lawn Shark, LLC

THORATEC Corporation

Warner Robins Touchdown Club

 http://www.13wmaz.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=148573