OAK LAWN, Ill. (WLS) — Stanley Pinkston received a heartwarming send-off as he was released from hospital ready for a third chance at life following his life-saving second heart transplant operation.
The 42-year-old father of two had his family and medical team supporting him.
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“I'm very excited to finally be out of the hospital,” he said. “I've been here for quite a while.”
Pinkston suffered a stroke in his 20s and has a long family history of heart failure, so he knew his chances were slim. So in 2010, he went to Advocate Christ Medical in Oak Lawn to receive his first heart transplant. Fourteen years later, the same hospital performed the new procedure, giving him his second new heart.
“It's hard for anyone to remember how much he's had to go through to get to this point,” said Dr. William Kotz, medical director of the transplant program. “He's dealt with that hardship and he's had to wait.”
Stanley said he was grateful to his entire medical team and the donor family.
“I want to thank my family for giving me, maybe, a fourth chance at life. I'm so grateful. I know it's hard for you all. I'm going to treat this heart with respect and try to continue to do good things in life.”
The surgery marked the 300th surgery performed at Advocate Oak Lawn, a major milestone for the hospital.
Pinkston said the first thing he wanted to do when he got to his Bronzeville home was to take an undisturbed nap.
He is excited to be back home with his wife, sons, mother and many other family members who have supported him throughout this long journey.
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