Merle Zuel's Page

What is your city / state and country of residence?

Bonner Springs, Kansas

How are you touched by transplantation?

I am a Recipient

If you are a recipient, what type of transplant did you receive?

Heart

Recipients: In this space, feel free to list those you are grateful to for receiving the Gift of LIfe:

First and foremost my donor and family, Saint Lukes Mid America Heart Institute & staff, Midwest Transplant Network, Dr. Michael Borkon, Dr. Michael Hajdu, and most especially my loving girlfriend Kim Cramer.

If you are a recipient, what type of donor did you receive your Gift of Life from?

Deceased Donor

What is your principal transplant med(s)?

Cellcept and Prograf

What is your hospital and, or doctor's name, city / state and country?

Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City Missouri.

Surgery performed by Dr. Michael Borkon.

If you are on the transplant waiting list, when were you listed?

December 18, 2006

What do you do for a living?

I work part time as a doorman at a nightclub in Kansas City featuring live music.

About Me: Please use this space to tell the community about yourself and your unique experience with transplantation:

I was diagnosed with a defective aortic valve at the age of ten. In 1996 I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. I struggled to survive and had several near death experiences due to my illness and many hospitalizations. I had a pacemaker/defibrillator implant in 2003 which saved my life on several occasions. In November of 2005 my aortic valve was replaced with a mechanical valve which helped me get a little stronger and probably helped me survive long enough to get a transplant. I was activated for transplant on December 18th, 2006 and 67 days later I was blessed with a new heart.
I have a website www.merlejam.com which is helping to raise awareness and raise money for transplant social services in Kansas City. We have had two concerts now, and plan to continue each year on the first Saturday in May. I have participated in some community awareness activities and public speaking. My heart is doing well and I am not experiencing any rejection issues at this time. I am also participating in a study group for Allomap Gene Expression testing in place of biopsy. If you have not heard of it, I encourage you to find out more and ask your doctor about it.

Please help us reach other members by telling us how you found Transplant Cafe:

National Kidney Foundation email

What is your relationship status?

Engaged

Entertainment: What is Your Favorite Type of Music, Bands, Movies, Art, Books, etc.?

I like lots of types of music-Blues, BlueGrass, Rockabilly, Zydeco

What is Your Favorite Quote(s)?

It's not how many times you get knocked down that matters. It's how many times you get back up.- M. Ali

My Personal (non-commercial) Website, Page, or Blog URL:

http://www.merlejam.com

My "MySpace" Page (copy and paste your profile page URL):

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home