CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Former basketball coach Jamie Mahaffey, who recently underwent a heart transplant, is celebrating a remarkable recovery and a new lease on life.
“I'm feeling better and my heart is beating stronger,” Mahaffey said. After undergoing a heart transplant at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in January, Mahaffey returned to work as the truancy officer at North College Hill Elementary School and credits his family and friends for their support for his recovery. I am doing it. He also lost 160 pounds.
“I'm really happy to be here because it changed my perspective on life,” Mahaffey said.
His colleagues embraced his journey, wearing “Mahaffey's Miracle” T-shirts. “We outsmarted you, you know, Mr. Mahaffey, we outsmarted you and listed all of our names,” colleague Kimberly Stewart said.
Despite a setback this spring that resulted in a below-the-knee amputation and several toes removed due to infection, Mahaffey's colleagues rallied around him. “God won't put you in a situation that he hasn't prepared you for,” said colleague Robert Roberson.
Mahaffey's wife, Robin, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and $89,000 raised through a GoFundMe campaign. “When a crisis hits, it means the world to know you have someone in your corner saying, 'Go for it, I get it, go for it,'” she said.
“It feels great,” Mahaffey added. “God has blessed me with so many blessings. I don't take any of it for granted, and that's a good thing.”
While Mahaffey and his family are grateful for the support, they still face challenges. Doctors fear he may need kidney surgery in the future. Supporters can continue to help by searching for “Mahaffey's Miracle” online.
