Waterfall resident celebrates 20 years since heart transplant

A WATERFALL resident is excited to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his heart transplant which is on June 25.

According to Alan Hoyte, he thought it would be appropriate to share his experience, especially since the month of June is donor awareness month. Alan received the miracle procedure at Life Entabeni Hospital, and the transplant was done by surgeon Robbie Kleinloog.

Alan proudly expressed that he is the second-longest-living heart transplant recipient in South Africa.

“He developed a virus 20 years ago that affected his heart muscle, and it ended up with him needing a heart transplant. His condition was serious, and he went from being on the provincial transplant list to the top of the national transplant list. He had 11% heart function, and time was running out,” his wife Karin Hoyle said.

The 75-year-old explained that at the time of his diagnosis, his three children were very young, and he did not know how much time he had left with his family. “Apart from my deteriorating condition, my wife and I explained that we had three small children, and they took this into consideration when they bumped me to the top of the list.”

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Alan explained that falling ill was extremely difficult for him as he was always an independent person – he had owned his own insurance brokerage and was very active in his children’s lives.

“Although my journey was difficult, I am most grateful and fortunate that I watched my children grow into successful individuals.”

An emotional Karin expressed her concern about her husband’s well-being. “The emotional journey for me was very difficult. I had to remain strong for the five months while we waited for the donor heart, while holding down a full-time job with three kids.”

The cheerful patient said that he had battled cancer and a variety of other conditions. He has just 20% lung function in one lung and continues to battle from a variety of additional ailments, but he is always upbeat and has a fantastic sense of humour. He continues to fight the good fight because he loves life and all it has to offer.

Alan lives by the slogan, “Life and good health are never promised to us. It feels amazing to celebrate this milestone, as research shows that people who undergo heart transplants only live for a few years.”

He advises all people to put their health first and most importantly to never take good health for granted. “Remember, without your health, you have nothing! Take care of your health; focus on what you can change! I feel incredibly blessed having reached this milestone, and it would never have been possible without the support of my wife and my family. This was a joint effort, and I’m forever grateful to them.”

Alan aims to encourage people to register and support the Organ Donor Foundation of South Africa. For more information, potential donors can contact 0800 22 66 11.

“Never give up on life! Miracles do happen – I am a walking example. Speak to your families about organ donation – it’s a gift that could save many lives. Tomorrow is never promised, so live today as if it’s your last,” he concluded.

*Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting