Jim Foti was born with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. He has been treated for it his whole life, including having a defibrillator and pacemaker put in when he was in his thirties. His doctors always told him a heart transplant would be a last resort so that was something he thought wouldn’t happen until he was much older, if at all.

On October 29th he went to Strong Memorial Hospital with what he thought were GI issues, but it turned out to be heart failure symptoms. Jim’s doctors recommended a heart transplant and that he stay at the hospital until he got a donor. By the grace of God, on November 28th, Jim was blessed with the news that they found a donor for him. The next morning, he underwent a successful heart transplant, and was off the breathing ventilator within hours after his surgery. Out of ICU three days after surgery, and discharged after 10. He has exceeded every goal they set for him in recovery.

Jim is a husband, stepfather, fur dad and die hard Bills fan, born and raised in Buffalo who would give anyone the shirt off his back. And he has just received the ultimate gift in return: a new heart. Jim is eternally grateful to the soul who gave him a second chance at life. Jim and his family want to thank everyone for their support and prayers during this journey. They ask that you join them in keeping the donor’s family in your prayers as well.

Jim is now home recovering, but this is just the beginning for what is going to be a very long, challenging road. He will have to return to Strong weekly for biopsies of his heart. He will have to undergo weekly blood tests, have follow up visits and undergo various tests for quite some time; not to mention the host of medications he has to take for the rest of his life. He will be off of work for the next 4-6 months. The medical bills are starting to come in and it’s just the beginning. Please consider a shirt purchase to help!