National Foundation For Transplants

At 37, Brian faced a critical medical crisis – diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy and in need of a heart transplant. National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) became his lifeline, supporting Brian through Insurance Premiums, Pharmaceuticals, Medical Appointments, and Procedures. To fund his transplant, Brian collaborated with NFT, organizing a motorcycle raffle that exemplified community support. A lifelong competitive swimmer, Brian's athletic achievements included four gold medals at the 2008 Transplant Games and three silver plus one bronze at the 2009 World Transplant Games. In 2023, 18 years post-transplant, Brian continued to shine. Representing North Carolina, he secured the highest medals per athlete at the American Transplant Games and earned silver and bronze medals globally.Despite a setback leading to retirement from competitive sports, Brian redirected his energy, swimming across open waters and founding a heart transplant relay team. NFT's grants not only made the transplant possible but also facilitated Brian's return to his passions. In every stroke and medal, his story echoes resilience, triumph, and the vital role NFT played in making a second chance at life a reality.