One of life's ironies caused a reversal of roles and in January 2001 Patty became ill; she
had to retire and was placed on the heart transplant list. Two and a half months later she
received her heart transplant from a 19-year-old donor. Now she became the patient and those
she previously cared for visited her after surgery, sharing their hugs and encouragement.
Although Patty retired as a transplant nurse, she continues to be active in transplant, passing
on her experiences and caring to patients and family in the new Transplant House at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
The 2002 Games are Patty's first, but not her last, as she says she will "never miss another
one." She has had the joy of sharing her experiences at the Games with at least ten recipients
she cared for while serving as a transplant nurse. Emotions are strong when trying to describe
how she feels about her donor. Words are inadequate to describe her new life.
Hospital in Miami, Florida. Affectionately known as "Grandma" to staff and patients, she greeted
each new transplant recipient with a hug and made them part of her extended family. With a
twinkle in her eye, she told the mothers they were going to have to share their 
