Brotherly tribute
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
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
I knew the day was coming and was wondering when I would hear about it. WAY TO GO!!! What an amazing journey you've been on. I am so glad you were able to accomplish your goal and honor your donor and your brother. I'm sure it was such an emotional hike for everyone involved. Thanks again for sharing you story with the world, your testimony has strengthened mine and I'm sure countless others. THANKS AGAIN!!!
ReplyDeleteI had tears in my eyes when I knew you had made it yesterday and now I'm just outright crying while reading these articles. The significance of your accomplishment yesterday is just incredibly meaningful for so many reasons and I can understand the emotions you must have felt. You are a true inspiration Paul.
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ON YOUR HEART-FILLED HIKE! What a wonderful tribute to your brother and what an inspiring journey you have led. So glad to hear the hike went well and the pictures are absolutely wonderful! Keep up the great journey!
ReplyDeleteMarshelle
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! WHAT A WONDERFUL ACCOMPLISHMENT AND TRIBUTE!!
ReplyDeleteMASON'S MOMMY
Congratulations Paul! What magnificent accomplishment for you and a wonderful way to honor the life of your brother.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for you and your family!
INCREDIBLE!! I have chills just reading about it and the pictures to document the trip are awesome!! I feel a little for the photographer who had to rush to keep ahead of your vibrant spirit and fancy new heart just to capture those images!! Whew! I am tired just thinking about it. :) What a wonderful day of peace and celebration for you and your family. We thought about you all lots yesterday.
ReplyDeleteAMAZING... I was tearing up while reading the article and the pictures are fantastic!! I'm sure it will be a day you will never forget. I hope that Owen will have the strength to climb mountains one day!!
ReplyDeleteWay to go Paul! I've been following your story for a long time and was so thrilled when you received your new heart. What a great tribute to your brother and to the donor and his family.
ReplyDeleteLots of tears reading the article and looking at those amazing pictures! I've followed your story for a while, and find so much encouragement in it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing with us!
Congrats Cardall family! thanks for continuing to share your story.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Paul and Family!!! What an amazing journey of events trials, struggles and triumphs!! THank you so much for continuing to share your story and journey with us!! I am sure there were smiles everywhere yesterday!! Way to continue the legacy you have been given!!
ReplyDeleteOther than Congratulations to you and your family, there are no words.
ReplyDeleteYou continue to inspire.
Congratulations, Paul! What a neat tribute to your brother. :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! What a great accomplishment!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to the mailbox! You inspire me.
ReplyDeleteI thought of you last week as I sat in a hospital room with my daughter Carla, who has HLHS. We were at Primary for a reoccuring plueral effusion. I looked out our window, saw the mountain and remembered that you would be climbing it soon. What a beautiful way to honor your brother. I'm so happy that you have such good health now. You deserve it!
ReplyDeleteHello Paul and Family,
ReplyDeleteI love this story; the photos struck some emotional cords deep in my heart, gave me chills, and brought tears to my heart. Thank you for sharing. I actually carried and placed the mailbox in honor of my Brother's untimely death “Brian" and dedicated the box to him and those who are blessed to reach that summit and enjoy the view. This was my brother’s favorite hike and I dedicated that box in June of 2006... Today (Jan 13) is the 7 year anniversary of his death and I feel blessed to have seen your post today!
Thank You
Daniel