Dad's Retired

Click on Segment 3 to Watch the story about my Dad.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Photo: Sitting with my father in Primary Children's Medical Center waiting for my heart transplant in August 2009.

After 42 years working as a broadcast journalist my father is retiring. Being self employed I can't begin to imagine the feeling of walking away from the corporate scenario. Needless to say, he is a man of integrity, loved his work, and remained loyal to KSL Television in Salt Lake City for 38 years.

I wrote about his interesting experiences traveling the world reporting history as it unfolded in my book, Before My Heart Stops. The chapter is properly titled "Son of A Newsman."

Gold Medalist Shaun White talks about his CHD

Shaun and I both have parents with similar views. We love them for it.

Top 7 Memories of 2010

My top 7 memories of 2010

7. Performing in front of a Sold Out Crowd at Abravanel Hall, raising money for CHD.

6. Publishing my story, Before My Heart Stops,and meeting many families affected by CHD along the way.

5. Standing on the peak of Mount Olympus with family and friends.

4. Camping with my family and friends in Ephraim, Forest Park, and more.

3. Recording a new album for Feb. 2011, the soundtrack to my New Life.

2. Taking my family to Disneyworld. Eden, my 4-yr-old at the time, insisted we go on the Tall Tower of Terror. (We had no idea what this ride was. They should call it child abuse)

1. Falling deeper in love with my wife.

Grateful for Time

As the holiday season approaches I am grateful for time.

“Until you value yourself, you won't value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it,” said M. Scott Peck, world-renowned psychiatrist and author of The Road Less Traveled.

Meanwhile, dramatist and creator of Peter Pan, Sir James Matthew Barrie said of time, “You must have been warned against letting the golden hours slip by; but some of them are golden only because we let them slip by.”

Photo: Time well spent (me and my daughter Eden)

No one knows how much time we have. I said in my book, Before My Heart Stops, “There is no expiration date on our birth certificates.”

I often wonder if it has been better to be warned that we are going to die by having a terminal illness or to have no warning at all?

Regardless, we have the now. We have today. We find good counsel in the known phrase, “Don’t put off ‘til tomorrow what you can do today.” Yet in a tone of pause and reflection we have the sarcastic wisdom of Mark Twain’s statement, “Never put off till tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow.”

Whatever our busy lives are consumed with may we take time in our daily routine, after the kids are put to bed, while they’re playing, or when we have a moment at work or in our car before we drive home to take the time to pause, reflect, and meditate on who we are as children of a loving God and what we want to do before we return to Him.

One of my spiritual heroes and 9th President of the LDS Church, David O’ Mckay said, "Meditation is the language of the soul. It is defined as a form of private devotion, or spiritual exercise, consisting in deep, continued reflection on some religious theme. Meditation is a form of prayer." Later he said, "Meditation is one of the most secret, most sacred doors through which we pass into the presence of the Lord."

Here is 3 minutes of peace to enjoy before the holiday rush sets in.

Russell M. Nelson Heals Hearts

I met a woman who has worked in an operating room with many cardiovascular surgeons. When I asked if she ever worked with the legendary Russell M. Nelson she said he was her favorite.

I asked what was unique about him? She said, "He never lost his temper or swore." She asked him about that. She said, "He told me that early on in his career he made a vow never to show any sign of discouragement or lack of self control since he was the leader of the operation and it was about the patient and not about himself."

Photo: Russell M. Nelson poses in dress uniform during military service. He served as first lieutenant in Army Medical Corps from 1951-53.

Who is this remarkable man?

Before he became an internationally renowned surgeon he was a medical student from Utah busy working in 1951 with a small team of people at the University of Minnesota Hospital on a device that would revolutionize open heart surgery.

After years of trial and error this unique team would successfully create the first heart lung machine making it possible to circulate and oxygenate blood for the body while bypassing the heart and lungs. Because of this technology millions of lives would be saved. I am one of those many.

Nelson would work as a surgeon during the Korean War, studying at Harvard, and finally earning his Phd from the University of Minnesota.

This gifted young man was encouraged by many of his colleagues and professors to stay back East and work. They said there was nothing back in Utah for him and he was too talented as a heart surgeon to work in the middle of nowhere.

Photo: Original Heart Lung Machine on Display in London

In 1955 Dr. Nelson decided he would go home because of his unique heritage and faith. His family descended from Mormon pioneers who were forced out of Missouri in 1856 because Mormon converts in those days gathered into one area forming a strong community. They had become too strong politically and preached anti-slavery prior to the Civil War among other controversial issues. Above all, and outside of the passion for his faith, Utah was his home.

Nelson returned to Salt Lake City in 1955 and was initially on the academic staff of the College of Medicine at the University of Utah, where in November of that year. While working as an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Utah Medical School, Elder Nelson worked at the Salt Lake County Hospital and built his own twin pump heart-lung machine. His research helped Utah to become the third state in the nation where open heart surgery was performed.

In March 1956, Nelson performed the first successful pediatric cardiac operation at the Salt Lake County Hospital, a total repair of tetralogy of Fallot in a four-year-old girl. In 1959, he joined the staff of the Salt Lake Clinic, became associated with the LDS Hospital, and continued to make major contributions to the development of the thoracic specialty both in the clinical sciences and as the second director of the residency program.

Nelson's surgical volume was sufficiently large that it was a critical component of the residents' experience. He was an innovative and facile surgeon responsible for many improvements in cardiac operations. He also established a research laboratory at LDS Hospital.

Learn More about this remarkable man in his biography. A wonderful history of faith and medicine.

By the late 1960s, Nelson's experience with artificial aortic valve implantation was such that he was able to report a large series of patients with an exceptionally low operative mortality.

I believe that today people like me are living longer because of this remarkable man who chose to return home.

His colleague Conrad Jensen operated on me in 1973. Dr. Nelson brought Dr. Jensen to Utah as a partner and later another partner Donald Doty who did my difficult heart surgeries in my teenage years.

I love that I can trace my good health back to a man devoted to his faith, family, and love for medicine.

This wonderful doctor, internationally well respected, who physically healed many hearts left his practice decades ago after receiving a call from President Spencer W. Kimball, then the presiding authority in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. President Kimball asked Doctor Nelson to be one of the Twelve apostles in the Mormon faith with the full-time responsibility of spiritually healing hearts according to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Thank you Elder Russell M. Nelson for blessing my life. Watch Elder Nelson describe the Human Heart in this brief video.

Valve Replacements without Opening the Chest

New procedure at Primary Children's Medical Center implants pulmonary valve without surgery

by Lois M. Collins, Deseret News
Published: Monday, Nov. 15, 2010 10:24 p.m. MST

SALT LAKE CITY — If you've got the right technology, it's easier to bounce back from a broken heart. Just ask Charli Noyes, 20, who was anxious to hold her toddler son on Monday, just days after having her pulmonary valve replaced in a new, nonsurgical procedure at Primary Children's Medical Center. Because doctors didn't have to open her chest or her heart for traditional pulmonary valve replacement surgery, the young mother went home the next day.

"I'm learning to dance to a whole new heartbeat," quipped Noyes, of Sunset, a veteran of heart operations and medical devices. She was born with a group of congenital heart defects that together are called a Tetralogy of Fallot. She had her first of two open-heart surgeries at 14 months. She's had three pacemakers, at least six cardiac catheterizations and had a valve "ballooned" once to improve its function. That's why, as an adult, she is being treated at Primary Children's, where she's had all of her previous procedures done.

Continue the article

Caring Connections

Caring Connections, a "hope and comfort in grief" program at the University Of Utah College Of Nursing asked me to speak and play my music last week to a large body of families who have lost loved ones.

This was no easy task because I continue to grieve family and friends who left this world during the past two years. I spent the evening trying to offer hope and perspective. I wish I had played more music. It has always helped me and maybe it could have helped those in attendance.

During moments of discouragement I find strength to go forward with faith by surrounding myself with others who love God. You'll know these people by their character because they are kind and friendly to everyone whether they affiliate with an organized body of religion or not.

I believe ultimately the gateway to freedom from depression and grief is through continual service to our family, friends, and who-ever will take our hand and let us pick them up.

High School Students Help CHD

(SLC, UT) Brighton High School has selected the Paul Cardall Family Foundation for Congenital Disorders as their charity for 2010-2011 school year. Students will raise money for the charity under the direction of their student government.

This morning student leaders talked about our organization and what their plans are to raise funds. During the 2 part assembly an auction was held and thousands of dollars were committed by students; i.e. purchase a full year of parking in the faculty parking lot, and many more great ideas.

On Valentines Day, Feb. 14, 2011 at the 2nd Annual Celebrate Life Concert and Silent Auction, Brighton student leaders will present the final check to the foundation. GO BRIGHTON!!!

For Concert Celebraton tickets visit:
http://smithstix.com/events/item/root/paul-cardall

Other school also involved in this program is Jordan High. We are grateful for these 2 schools and their devotion to making a difference!

Our foundation has no paid employees. Every penny goes to improve the lives of families affected by congenital heart disease. Last year we helped various families by providing financial support. This year funds will go toward research, education, and dispersed among other organizations who have a specific need or call to action that makes a major difference in the lives of these folks.

http://foundation.paulcardall.com

Before My Heart Stops Reviewed

"Book is a powerful message of faith, love and enduring through life's challenges." -Hikari Loftus, Deseret News.

A section of the review: "For someone to read this, they may think, 'He's got a lot of high expectations and hope. He's overconfident. He thinks that he can make any miracle happen. He has this faith to heal from the transplant.' The truth is, I can't really explain my faith or the will to survive without anyone knowing about my parents or my heritage because I'm a product of my parents and my ancestors who struggled to come to Utah. All that strength and faith, it's been passed down through generations and I'm just one of the products of their hard work," Cardall says.

READ THE REVIEW

A Perfect Test and a Historic Climb

The lab results came back really good according to my transplant team who had me undergo the official "1 year out" transplant tests.

Doctors did a routine biopsy where they inserted a long thin instrument through the jugular vein in my neck and removed a small piece of heart tissue from my right ventricle to test for any sign of rejection. While I was on the operating table for the biopsy doctors also inserted another long thin instrument through the femoral artery in my right groin and shot some dye into the chambers of my heart to check for pressures and other helpful things. This is called a cardiac catheterization.

The following day I got on an airplane to Houston for the event with families affected by Congenital Heart Disease. Obviously, these procedures are critical and dangerous but most folks are back to work and responsibilities. We've come very far in how with medical technology and helping people feel hardly any pain.

More than ever, I am continuing to enjoy the mountains where altitude sickness used to keep me from the high altitudes. I'm fly fishing, hiking a trail, or camping overnight. I continue to look back on my journey up mount Olympus with family and friends in honor of my brother Brian.

Lately, I've been sharing this video with people when I go out and speak. I thought it only appropriate to share it here and I encourage you to listen to the words of the song from Kutless.

New Heart Restores Childhood

New life restores childhood dreams.



Having once been unable to endure exercise at high altitudes, I've grabbed up every opportunity to take off with friends into the mountains and on the streams.

This was the perfect scenario this past weekend as I took a break from my book tour to be with cousins and an uncle in beautiful British Columbia on the Chilliwack River.



Catching and releasing a Chum Salmon or Dog Salmon



My cousin Tyler. I watched him bring in Silver Salmon all day long.



There's nothing like breathing pristine mountain air while watching the sunlight dance on the rippling waters at first dawn and later seeing the light fade into shades of orange as the sun slowly moves across the western horizon and hide's his face.

Second Life

Looking out of my Marriot hotel room window I see an air-med helicopter take flight off the roof of Methodist Hospital. In the distance stands Texas Children’s Hospital known as one of America’s top 10 pediatric hospitals. Everywhere I go in this section of downtown Houston people are wearing scrubs, nice suits, and appear to be headed to an important meeting. I see a curiosity and determination in these faces to make a difference in the lives of families affected by illness.

Last evening as part of my book tour I met with a several families affected by congenital heart disease as well as a few close friends living in Houston. We shared our stories and discussed advancements in medical technology, surgical options, faith in God, and our gratitude for the facilities helping to keep our children alive or their kindness in helping us through the loss of our children.

One mother shared her love for her son Byron who has numerous complications associated with his heart, lungs, trachea, and other parts of his body. She has spent a lot of time at her sons bedside. Her son statistically should not be alive. After undergoing a wide range of surgical procedures Byron is alive and a wonderful blessing to his mother and older brother. She said with great faith, “He’s my miracle. With God all things are possible.”

I echo her statement.

On the flip side I continue to meet so many parents who have lost children and wonder why there was no miracle with their child. This is a very good question.

Shortly after my heart transplant I had a conversation with my anesthesiologist. He is a man of faith. He said, “Medical diagnosis and statistics often tells us whether a child is going to live or die as a result from surgery. Too often, no matter how well we operate the child expected to survive goes into cardiac arrest or has some other complication causing the death to happen unexpectedly. Whereas, too often when our diagnosis and statistics tells us there is no way a child should make it through the surgery and yet they miraculously make it, we are ever more convinced that someone else, some divine power is clearly in charge of our lives.” His statement has given me great comfort because even most medical personnel are convinced God exists. They see His work happen in the hospital room. This also comforts me because I believe He is there to take that child home with Him for a greater purpose.

Artwork by David Bowman

Last September, as I was wheeled off to a surgical procedure doctors were determined to do all they can to remove an old enlarged scarred heart struggling to beat inside my chest giving me life. It was challenging. Odds were not in my favor. I was not expected to survive. Surgeons operated anyways. At some point during this sobering event the heart that had kept me alive for 36 years finally stopped and was removed from my body. Technically, I died. However, for some reason God gave me permission to stay and through his children operating in that room with all of their talents and inspired gifts, I was granted a second life.

Some go. Some stay. Ultimately, it is love that is stronger than death. Love can’t stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries it can’t separate people from love. It can’t take away our memories either. In the end, life is stronger than death. I believe life continues after death and our loved ones become a great motivator from the other side.

Does Getting Someone's Heart Change your Personality?

So, I sold my "lemon" BMW with my old heart and with the new heart bought a big Toyota tundra truck. With a truck, I stopped listening to Coldplay and now I can't get enough country music from Jamey Johnson, so what is going on? Is this really me?

According to a research study from Quality Life Research, Heart transplantation is not simply a question of replacing an organ that no longer functions. The heart is often seen as source of love, emotions, and focus of personality traits.

To gain insight into the problem of whether transplant patients themselves feel a change in personality after having received a donor heart, 47 patients who were transplanted over a period of 2 years in Vienna, Austria, were asked for an interview.

Photos: Taking my daughter Eden fishing for the first time months ago

Three groups of patients could be identified: 79% stated that their personality had not changed at all postoperative, meaning after the transplant surgery. In this group, patients showed massive defense and denial reactions, mainly by rapidly changing the subject or making the question ridiculous.

Fifteen per cent stated that their personality had indeed changed, but not because of the donor organ, but due to the life-threatening event.

Six per cent (three patients) reported a distinct change of personality due to their new hearts. These incorporation fantasies forced them to change feelings and reactions and accept those of the donor.

Verbatim statements of these heart transplant recipients show that there seem to be severe problems regarding graft incorporation, which are based on the age-old idea of the heart as a center that houses feelings and forms the personality. 1

I don't believe my personality has changed although I have been greatly influenced by circumstances surrounding my transplant, which includes a more adventurous life.

Even though I only had a single ventricle I experienced all the joys of childhood. I was fortunate because my heart defect didn't limit me or at least I didn't think so.

I loved the outdoors which included; camping, fishing, hiking, and hunting. My extended family gathered every summer in the mountains of Wyoming and periodically we'd stay at a cabin in the Uintahs. I learned to Ski and looked forward to each snow fall. I was an Eagle Scout and had earned the coveted Mile Swim badge.

However, this adventurous life was taken from me in my fourteenth year after getting a bacterial infection in my heart. This required a difficult surgery. The following year I had reconstructive heart surgery. Because of the circumstances I lost the energy I once knew. Exercising in high altitudes caused me severe nausea. I quickly learned skiing, hiking, and some of the other things I enjoyed was not possible. It was all a memory for me and I often experienced deep nostalgia and sadness.

I adapted to my new life. Unlike before the reconstructive surgery, crowds now bothered me and I often felt claustrophobia. I turned inward, often felt shy, and learned to enjoy other things. I discovered music, art, writing, and found great purpose in sharing my talents. Eventually, I became more active in school and later the community. Yet, I still missed an active outdoor life.

Then came the heart transplant.

When you're dying you wonder what the possibilities would be if you only had a second chance. I began thinking of all the things I would like to do or try with a four chamber heart.

I made a list. Most of the list involved recreating the memories of my childhood for my girl Eden.

It's been over a year since the transplant and I am finding myself with different tastes in music, art, and how I like to spend my time.

I am free from tubes and illness. My mind is free from thinking I might be leaving this world. I am excited for each new day and dread evenings and sleep.

With each new day, and if there is any personality influence it would be because of my love and respect for two people who have passed on to the other side. One is my donor and the other my younger brother.

My fondest memories of my brother, are times sitting around an evening campfire and waking up so freezing cold in October Brian and I weren't sure if it was worth it to get up to hike the hills. Maybe his influence in my life is what drives me to embrace everything in the natural world?

I think about my donor everyday. Because I didn't know him I'm not sure I have any of his personality traits, but I know he was extremely active and healthy. He loved being outdoors and made friends easily. He enjoyed crowds.

Am I different? Has my personality changed because of my heart transplant? No. But, I believe we are always learning, growing, and gravitating towards new things and old habits. And we are influenced by those we love and those we admire.

I embrace my donor as my own brother and experience the same grief in losing him as I did in losing Brian. Until I am with them, they are welcome to live through me.

1 (B. Bunzel, B. Schmidl-Mohl, A. Grundböck and G. Wollenek, Quality of Life Research, Volume 1, Number 4, 251-256, DOI: 10.1007/BF00435634) Read the Full Article

Cook Children's

Photo: Cook Children's in Ft. Worth, Texas

Last fall, when I was living in Primary Children's Medical Center my surgeon came into my room and we talked about my upcoming heart transplant surgery. With an IV tube into my right arm, oxygen around my face, and other devices surrounding me, I was dying.

Doctor Kaza said something to the extent, "When a heart becomes available, I will work on you as though you were my own brother." This gave me great comfort and strengthened my resolve to survive. Then he gave me counsel. "While you're here among these sick children get out and meet them," he said. "You can give them hope."

As I followed the doctors advice I not only found great happiness in getting to know other patients and their parents, but these patients with all of their challenges and great attitudes inspired me and gave me hope. Their parents made me appreciate all that my own had done for me in sitting by my bedside all those years.

Since that time, I am fortunate to visit other children's hospitals around the country. Last week, I was in St. Louis Children's and this week in Ft. Worth, Texas at Cook Children's Medical Center.

Visiting St. Louis Children's Hospital

Heartbeat brings joy to parents of Coppell donor

Heartbeat brings joy to parents of Coppell donor

by GARY REAVES, WFAA
Posted on September 20, 2010 at 11:31 PM
Updated Tuesday, Sep 21 at 6:56 PM



CHANDLER, Arizona — It's sunrise over the Phoenix suburbs. Todd and Tara Storch are here to continue the mission that began in March, the day their 13-year-old daughter Taylor died in a Colorado ski accident.

It was then that the Storches decided to donate Taylor's organs.

Their daughter may be deceased, but her heart beats on in the Valley of the Sun.

"Excited is not the correct or right word," said Todd Storch when asked to describe his feelings before getting a chance to hear Taylor's heartbeat again.

This day has been on Tara's mind since day one (CONTINUE READING)

Child Inspires Mother and Grandma to Act

“Grateful for what they have experienced at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, mothers of two generations are making efforts to give back to the hospital.


1st Photo: Me, Rob Aronin, Dana Jewell, Averi Budde, Ryan and Stacee Budde.

Averi Budde, who was born a twin to Adison Budde May 25, 2007, was diagnosed with multiple heart defects.

Five days after her birth, she underwent her first open-heart surgery, which brought many ups and downs over the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, nurses of the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at St. Louis Children’s took full care of the newly born baby to make sure her condition was stable.

Relieved by the dedicated nursing care Averi received during her treatment in the CICU at Children’s, Averi’s mother, Staci Budde, and grandmother, Vicki Isom, decided to “give back to the hospital” to show their gratitude.



2nd Photo Includes; Tim Feltes, Paul Checchia, Dana Jewell, Laura Fowler Watson, Pamela Lovell Piel, Charlotte Smock, Leonard Bailey, Paul Cardall, and others

After talking with CICU manager Jeff Atwood, Isom and Budde decided to create an educational scholarship that would benefit staff professionally and ultimately benefit patients.

The intention materialized in the Averi Budde Foundation, a non-profit organization formed by Isom and Budde to raise money to fund continuing education opportunities for the cardiac nurses.” (West End Word, Beijing Zhu – September 1, 2010)

As part of the Budde's efforts, St. Louis Children’s Hospital hosted the 1st Annual Cardiac Surgery in Children featuring some of the most well known figures in the past, present, and future of congenital heart disease. The speeches were inspiring.

Photo: Meeting a Legend in Pediatric Heart Transplant Surgery, Dr. Leonard Bailey

What a blessing it was for me to be introduced to such historical figures in congenital cardiology, like the following;

One of the kindest men Leonard Bailey, M.D., a gifted surgeon from Loma Linda Hospital, known for the 1984 revolutionary surgery when a baboon heart was transplanted into infant “Baby Fae”. He was called a mad scientist and animal rights activists were not happy, but his efforts led the way for infants to receive heart transplants.

Many of Doctor Bailey patients are now in their twenties and enjoying life. This wonderful man, a father figure to many, had many wonderful things to say about Donald Doty, the cardiovascular thoracic surgeon who operated on me several times. He knew George Veasy and many others who I know from being a patient at Primary Children’s Medical Center.

3rd Photo: Meeting Dr. Peter C. Laussen

Peter C. Laussen, Professor of Anaesthesia at the Harvard Medical School and Chief, Division of Cardiovascular Intensive Care. He discussed invasive monitoring in the cardiac intensive care unit. It was wonderful to hear his comments about my transplant surgeon at Primary Children’s Medical Center, A.K. Kaza who was chief resident of cardiovascular thoracic surgery at Boston Childrens.

There were many more wonderful speakers; Lee Feeter (President St. Louis Childrens), Paul Chechia, MD, Angela Sharkey, MD, Terry Foster, Rn, Joseph Billadello, MD, Timothy Feltes.

I was fortunate to share my story about growing up with CHD.

The highlight for me, in addition to meeting the doctors, was spending time with the many nurses and other staff who care for the children at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Nurses inspire me.

For me, meeting 2-year-old Averi Budde and her family was thrilling. Her father brought her to the event for a few minutes.

I was there when this adorable little girl walked into the Chase Plaza Hotel. I got on my knees to be down so we were eye level. Just above her little dress I pointed to the top edges of her scar, a result of heart surgery. I pointed to my own scar. She got closer and gave me a hug.

Photo: Playing the piano with Averi Budde, fellow cardiac kid

Averi Budde is the light that ignited the powerful event that brought together some of the finest people in the congenital heart world.

Medical personnel where inspired, enriched, educated, and motivated to make a difference in the lives of thousands of children who continue live with and adapt to congenital heart disease.

Learn more about The Averi Budde Foundation at St. Louis Children's Hospital

Music Thankyou

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Cardiac Surgery in Children's Conference

When Averi Budde was born in 2007 with congenital heart diesase her mother Staci and grandmother Vicki Isom were impressed by the dedicated nurses in the Cardiac intensive care unit.

As Averi recovered from a delicate open heart surgery the mother-daughter team decided to “give back to the hospital” to show their gratitude.

Together Staci and Vicki created the Averi Budde Foundation, a non-profit organization formed to raise money to fund continuing education opportunities for the cardiac nurses. (I love those cardiac nurses!!)

This Friday I have the fortunate opportunity to meet this wonderful family and all of their associates at the first annual St. Louis Children's Hospital Cardiac Surgery in Children Conference.

The all-day event is designed to educate and/or refresh the knowledge of health care professionals caring for patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures.

I couldn't be more thrilled to be a small part of this inspiring and sold out event this Friday, September 17th, at the Chase Plaza Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri.

Accompanied me will be cellist Steven Sharp Nelson and guitarist Ryan Tilby of Stone Angel Music, Inc.

Walking for CHD

I awoke to a beautiful morning with deep blue skies. I hopped in my truck and headed south to Provo where a crowd of families were gathered in a park outside of Provo, Utah along the majestic Wasatch Mountains.

Intermountain Healing Hearts, a support group formed in September, 2007 for families of children or adults with congenital heart defects (CHD’s) and heart disease hosted their annual Heart Walk.

Along with grandparents, siblings, cousins, and friends, parents walked with their children a poignant 1 mile, some in strollers and on shoulders.

Later, monarch butterflies were released during a special ceremony by families who lost a child to CHD.

I'm continually inspired by the support and love families give one another. These experiences and challenges bind a family together that extends beyond this world.

Bottom Photo: I'm standing with members of Primary Children's Medical Center Cardiology Staff

Studio 5 Discussing CHD and Book

Promoting Congenital Heart Disease

Last year at this time I lay dying as a father in a children's hospital wondering if I'd be alive to enjoy my daughter's childhood. Within 7 days, on September 9th, two family's lives would forever change.

My donor would leave his family behind and I would return to my own within weeks.

PHOTO: Months before my heart transplant

The ironic circumstance continues to humble me each waking day as I think about the young man whose heart beats in my chest. I pray I may live worthy of his gift.

Thank God for organ donation. I feel a weight of responsibility. My desire is to uplift and inspire people before my new heart stops.

With renewed energy and a recent biopsy with perfect results, I am anxious to go on my book tour (listed below) to spread awareness of congenital heart disease.

My publisher Shadow Mountain and It's My Heart, a nationally organized CHD movement, have worked very hard to help me share my message of faith, hope, and optimism.

I'm hoping to see many of you during the tour at our events.

Those of you who would like to organize events in your own cities please let us know.

Overall, I am very appreciative of all my friends at the Organ Donation Services, Adult Congenital Heart Association, Intermountain Healing Hearts, Mended Little Hearts, Saving Tiny Hearts, and many more. These folks are doing wonderful things to help the approximately 1.8 million Americans with a congenital heart defect.

PHOTO: After my Heart Transplant

We are making wonderful progress and more children are growing up! We still have much to do.

I'm grateful to be a very small part of giant movement. Hopefully, Before My Heart Stops, can provide an intimate look into the life of one individual with a defective birth heart in need of a transplant.

The Book Tour: www.paulcardall.com/events
I needed a new heart just to keep up with this exciting schedule.

What about the 9

Occasionally when given the opportunity to speak to christian groups about my journey living with congenital heart disease I share a scripture from the book of Luke that says, "And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God." (St. Luke 17:15)

The beautiful expression of gratitude comes from the story about the ten lepers who asked Jesus to have mercy on them. The Lord told them to go show themselves to the priests and they would be healed. "And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed."

Shortly thereafter, one of the lepers returned and knelt down at the feet of Jesus thanking Him for his kindness. The Lord asks, "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger." Jesus says to the healed leper, "Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole."

Artwork: Sketch by Rembrandt van Rijn

Since the Lord healed me I've thought deeply about these 10 lepers.

I am inspired by the man who returned and praised God, falling at his feet with tears of gratitude. But, what about the nine? What is their story?

May I suggest a perspective worth considering.

Could it be possible that a few of these nine were so astonished at the miracle and overcome with joy they could not come up with the right way to thank Jesus or it was too late?

Could some may have desperately tried to find a way to return and thank him but Christ had left the city?

Maybe they were discouraged by the mobs of people who surrounded the Savior and couldn't make it through the crowd.

Or did they feel ashamed because of their sins and own insecurities.

Or maybe it is true, they were ungrateful at the miracle. I doubt it.

Often, I feel like one of the nine lepers and I believe I still under-estimate the kind and loving Jesus who wants us to approach Him.

Still, can any of us truly thank God for what he has done in allowing us to have this mortal experience? How do I thank him for Eden or Lynnette? How do I give Him what He has given me?

Shortly after I had my third open heart surgery I put a quote from Carolyn Pearson near the ceiling of my room so I could always read it. She penned the lyric "And if I serve Him, with every moment that I live, with all the love I have to give, still I would be in His debt forever."

It's my hope that our lives will be our display of gratitude for our kind and loving God.

A New Chapter in Life

When I started my blog Living for Eden I didn't realize in the beginning how healing it would be for me to share my experiences with the world. Those of you who have a blog may understand what I am saying. Like keeping a journal, writing all your emotions and what you learn is therapeutic. Sharing personal things is a form of daily affirmation. I thought I was keeping family and friends informed, I was helping myself heal spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.

After waiting 385 days on an organ donation list, I received a heart transplant. As I recovered my father, a professional journalist, encouraged me to compile my blog into a book. The Living for Eden entries and a dozen other inspiring stories became what Shadow Mountain Publishing has titled, Before My Heart Stops, which is my memoir of events leading to my change of heart.

The national release date is September 9, 2010 on the anniversary of my transplant. The publisher has been very kind and supportive in my desire to use this book as a tool to bring awareness to congenital heart disease and organ donation. I'm excited to advocate these issues and speak to audiences on a book tour currently being scheduled. If anything, I hope this book will help inspire people to acknowledge the hand of God in their lives because of the gifts of chronic illness and other similar challenges faced by millions.

Each waking day, I am reminded that sustaining my life and beating in my chest, is the heart of a young man, a child of God, whose death has given me a future and purpose. I am on borrowed time and determined to honor the sacrifice made. In parallel, for most Christians, we recognize the great sacrifice and death of Jesus. Because of that sacrifice we have been promised life beyond the grave.

Finally, I want to leave with you some of the things I am expected to do as a heart transplant recipient. This is well explained by the retired cardiologist Dale Renlund who listed me to receive a new heart.

"In December 1967 the first successful heart transplant was performed in Cape Town, South Africa. The dying man’s diseased heart was removed, and a healthy heart from a deceased donor was sewn in its place. Since then, over 75,000 heart transplants have been performed worldwide.

In each heart transplant recipient, the patient’s own body recognizes the new, lifesaving heart as “foreign” and begins to attack it. Left unchecked, the body’s natural response will reject the new heart, and the recipient will die. Medicines can suppress this natural response, but the medications must be taken daily and with exactness. Furthermore, the condition of the new heart must be monitored. Occasional heart biopsies are performed wherein small pieces of heart tissue are removed and then examined under a microscope. When signs of rejection are found, medications are adjusted. If the rejection process is detected early enough, death can be averted.

Surprisingly, some patients become casual with their transplanted hearts. They skip their medicines here and there and obtain the needed follow-up less frequently than they should. They think that because they feel good, all is well. Too often this shortsighted attitude puts the patients at risk and shortens their lives.

A heart transplant can prolong life for years for people who would otherwise die from heart failure. But it is not “the ultimate operation,” as Time magazine called it in 1967. The ultimate operation is not a physical but a spiritual “mighty change” of heart." (October 3, 2010 Salt Lake City, Utah)

watch the entire sermon

Stay posted for another update. . .

Roller Coasters & Heart Transplants

Once I received my heart transplant I didn't think I would be able to ride roller coasters. I've always believed the experience of ridin' a coaster in and of itself should be prescribed by therapist helping people through hard times. It certainly works for me. I was elated when doctors gave me the go ahead . . . Here is that moment with a few of the youth living in my neighborhood.

I'm Spoiled Rotten

I can't believe it's been almost a year since my heart transplant. I've never felt so alive, blessed, and humbled. I am spoiled rotten. I have a beautiful wife and a beautiful life. Where has the time gone?

Photo: Enjoying an outdoor Peter Breinholt concert

On September 9th, the anniversary of my transplant, I will do two things. First, I will thank God for all he has blessed me wit. Second, I will thank God for the life of my donor. His challenging circumstances lead to an early death and ironically preserved my own life and a few others. I think about this young man every day and with every heart beat I realize I'm on borrowed time. Somewhere beyond this world I hope he knows how deeply indebted I am to him.

As part of the anniversary celebration, I'm looking forward to getting out and seeing many of you on a book tour that my publisher is planning for September through October. I'm still a little amazed someone would want to publish my story, but I'm grateful to my dad for pushing me to do it. Whether I see you or not, I'm hoping "Before My Heart Stops" will help you or someone you know going through a tough time.

Before I sign out I want to share a lyric with you I love written by Carolyn Pearson. She wrote, "Life is for living, for laughing and giving, whether you're happy or not."

Audio Excerpt from Before My Heart Stops

An audio excerpt from Paul Cardall's memoir, Before My Heart Stops, read by the author.



Pre-Order Your Copy
http://www.paulcardall.com or http://www.deseretbook.com/

"Beautifully written. A Powerful true story. I just love happy endings."

-Richard Paul Evans, #1 NY Times Best-Selling Author (The Christmas Box)

"Besides being an example of how far we've come in treating CHDs, Before My Heart Stops is a great example of how to truly live when facing a life threatening CHD and seemingly hopeless situation. Paul faces the challenge with a supportive family and friends but more importantly with an unwavering Faith. Paul has also become a great advocate within the CHD community and is truly living his life with purpose."

-Ty McCathran, Vice President of Advocacy, It's My Heart, Inc.

Please Share this Message with your Friends

I am very excited to have written a book. I never thought that would happen. I am a musician. However, after being encouraged by family, friends, you, and a great publisher I went ahead and put together my story. I was born, essentially, with half-a-heart. God made up the difference.

Please help me share my book, Before My Heart Stops, with your family and friends by copying and pasting the code to embed into your blog.

<object width="300" height="240"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GfWFCdfuHIU&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GfWFCdfuHIU&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="300" height="240"></embed></object>

Or provide this link: http://youtube.com/cardall

Thank you!!

Paul Cardall
http://www.paulcardall.com

My Book, "Before My Heart Stops" coming this Fall 2010

Performance from the Celebrate Life Event

Our Inheritance from God

Henry B. Eyring, one of the great leaders in my faith, discussed a very important truth that has inspired all those who have embraced his wise counsel.

He said, "Your inheritance from God is time. It is capital far more precious than any lands or stocks or houses you will ever get. Spend it foolishly, and you will bankrupt yourself and cheapen the inheritance of those that follow you. Invest it wisely, and you will bless generations to come." [Sermon delivered May 4, 1986, BYU]

For me, receiving a second chance at life because another person's heart beats inside of me makes me think more about the word time. It is a precious commodity. It is a gift.

None of us really know how much time we have left. I thank God everyday for renewing me and granting me more time with my wife and daughter. He performed a miracle.

I’m not surprised. He is a God of miracles.

If another person’s heart can bring me back from the dead why is it impossible for Jesus to raise himself from the dead? Thanks to my donor I live again. Thanks to my Savior and Redeemer I will live forever. I thank Him each day for his mercy and kindness toward our family and I look forward to thanking my donor when my time runs out.

Photo: My Ragnar Family

Until then I'll enjoy my extended family and friends who continue to inspire me.

The week after our hike up the steep Mount Olympus, 12 of my immediate family, a few spouses and cousins were part of a 188-mile relay race called RAGNAR that went through the small towns of Northern Utah. I worked with my Mom as a volunteer along with my cousin Trent. Our team was named after one of our brother's songs called, “Leave it all Behind.”

Each of the 1000 teams had 12 members. They were awake for almost 48 hours running 2 sets aprox. 3-15 miles each, even when the sun went down. They would pass wrist ban to the next team member who would then run their set.

Photo: My sister Caron passing the wrist ban / baton to my youngest sister Jane

Other people I’ve associated with continue to inspire me. Their way of life fuels my desire to spend my time wisely with a good balance of work, service, and fun.

Since summer began, I’ve had opportunity to speak and share my music with thousands of kids and parents attending youth conferences or other church related events. From Houston to Manti, Utah, Seattle/Tacoma to South Ogden, or wherever I go, I meet kind and friendly people who have a light in their eyes focused on learning all they can about our Father in Heaven.

Photo: Teams decorated their cars. This my cute sister Jane standing by a decorated relay-race car.

I’ve attended several charity events where people are gathered because they deeply care about one another. The fund-raiser for my fellow heart transplant friend Mason brought a community together. The support alleviated some of the financial burdens associated with medical expenses. But more priceless than donated funds was the spiritual feeling of love in the large room where people threw their arms around a family in need.

I’ve learned in my short span of time that no matter what comes our way, people genuinely seeking God and striving with all of their whole heart for goodness and charity, are the happy people in our society.

The greatest servant of all said to His disciples shortly before He was crucified for the sins of the world, “He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” (Matthew 10:39)

Scholarship Recipient Sidney Porter

Congratulations to Sidney Porter, the first recipient of the Salt Lake Community College Paul Cardall Scholarship for those affected by a congenital disorder. She recently graduated from North Sevier High School. She was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect at two weeks old. Doctors performed a very difficult surgery preserving her life. Her chronic illness has not stopped her from becoming the young woman she's strived to be. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, Sidney got involved in numberless school activities inspiring others along the way. As she ventures into college and the adult world it will be great to see what she will accomplished.

The committee said there were quite a few people who applied. I appreciate those of you who took interest in this opportunity and encourage you to re-apply next year. I encourage you to be proud of your congenital disorder and let life's challenges fuel your appreciation of life and desire to serve others.

http://foundation.paulcardall.com

SLCC Scholarship Recipient to be Announced!

The recipient of this year's first annual congenital disorder scholarship will be announced the first of next week. Thank you to everyone who applied. As always, from my past experience working as a student leader scholarship director, it is hard to decide among so many qualified people, which is why I formed a committee and didn't view the applications myself.

Note: The Paul Cardall Family Foundation and the Salt Lake Community College Financial Aid-Scholarship office along with the SLCC Alumni formed a committee to carefully review each applicant.

Mission Accomplished!

Photo by Jeffery D. Allred, Deseret News (2010)

Brotherly tribute

Paul Cardall climbs Mount Olympus just 9 months after transplant.

By Erin Alberty

The Salt Lake Tribune

Updated: 06/09/2010 11:22:48 PM MDT

To summit Mount Olympus less than a year after surgery would be a feat for any heart transplant patient.

But Paul Cardall says this is not his big day.

Nine months ago, looking at the behemoth rock face from a hospital window he could barely walk to, Cardall decided to make the epic hike for someone else. Brian Cardall had died a few months earlier, when police stunned him with a Taser during a bipolar episode.

On Wednesday, the anniversary of Brian's death, Paul steps onto the trail. His first major hike in 25 years is in memory of his little brother. Continue reading and see PHOTO GALLERY

With family and friends on top of Mount Olympus
Photo by Jeffery D. Allred, Deseret News (2010)

Paul Cardall celebrates lives of brother and donor from atop Mount Olympus

Published: Wednesday, June 9, 2010 7:47 p.m. MDT

MOUNT OLYMPUS — Exactly one year from the minute Brian Cardall's heart stopped beating, his brother Paul's new heart allowed him stand on top of Mount Olympus Wednesday and thank God for both their lives.

"We got to the peak at 1 p.m., and it was 1:10 p.m. a year ago when Brian was killed. We didn't even plan that, but we got there and realized it," said Paul Cardall, a local musician who took an emotional roller coaster ride along with his extended family last year. As Paul's monthslong wait for a heart transplant continued last June 9, his brother Brian was Tasered by a Hurricane police officer, who was called to the side of a rural highway.

Brian had shed his clothes in a manic episode and was running naked on the road. His wife had called 911. The Taser was deployed and Brian died.

His family, including brother Paul, was devastated by his loss. But their emotional ride took a sharp turn upward in September, when doctors at Primary Children's Medical Center replaced Paul's sick and tired heart with that of a 19-year-old donor.

He and his family viewed the event as a miracle, and Paul vowed his first day back home that he would climb Mount Olympus on the anniversary of his brother's death, as both a tribute to the lost life and the triumph of a new chapter in his own journey.

On the summit, Paul told the family and friends who accompanied him that he wanted to say a prayer "of gratitude for Brian and his life. … It was very simple, with thanks 'for our experience with Brian, knowing him and all his accomplishments and understanding how proud he would be of us.'

Hugging my wife on the highest peak of Mount Olympus next to a mailbox full of letters from others who reached the top. As we opened the lid someone years ago had put in red tape the name "Paul" and there was also a gold plate honoring another person who died named "Brian." Photo by Jeffery D. Allred, The Deseret News (2010)

Continue reading and see 20 PHOTOS From the Deseret News