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

Remember Mason

Today there is a mother with her dying son living at a Ronald McDonald home in Palo Alto, California as they wait for word that a donor will become available.

The child is Mason. He is one of the millions of children throughout the world waiting for answers to an unknown future.

For me it's one thing to be a father hoping to be around for my kid, but it's an entirely different feeling knowing a child is in trouble and needs help.

I spent many sleepless nights in a children's hospital listening to little kids cry out for help. I had no control over the situation. It wasn't my place and I had to trust in the team caring for that child, but like any good Father I wanted to throw off the tubes that held me down and go solve the problem.

These things continually remind me how precious our time is with one another. We must have focus and fulfill our purpose for living, uplifting and inspiring whom we can, giving and receiving, while praying for those in need and actively doing something to make individual lives better, especially when we have no control over it and feel helpless.

Although financial support is wonderful, the most powerful thing we can do is to pray for their little family. Pray for Mason and his mother and father. God knows exactly who they are.

http://www.miraclemason.blogspot.com/

My GrandDad

It is not a coincidence America is celebrating Veterans Day the same week my grandfather, Alan Layton, passed away. Leaving behind posterity of more than 100 people Grandpa is one of the last few surviving heroes to defend our nation from Hitler and save Europe from utter destruction in World War II. Certainly my grandfather was a major contributor to what former NBC News Anchor Tom Brokaw called, “The greatest generation any society has ever produced.”

Two months ago as I recovered in the pediatric intensive care unit after my heart transplant my grandparents came up to visit. My grandfather had been experiencing dementia in the last few years and occasionally forgot where he was although he acted like he knew what was going on. This is the difficult part in losing a grandparent, watching them grow old and seeing their vibrant spirit fade. He sat in a rocking chair holding his cane at the foot of my bed. I still had most of my tubes in and out of my body. My grandmother was so enthused by my pink lips she was overcome with emotion. She rubbed my feet at the end of my bed and was saying, "Look at your beautiful color." Meanwhile, my grandfather didn't look to happy she was rubbing my feet and quipped, "Don't rub that man's feet!" We laughed and reminded him she was taking care of her grandson.

My Grandfather’s own mother implanted in his heart a love for God and for other people. All you need in your life is a mother who loves you and you have within you the power to become a giant among men. His blood type was a model for his life “B+”. He was an optimist and believed anything was possible.

Aside creating one of the most successful construction companies in the Rocky Mountain region, Layton Construction, my grandfather spent most of his time with my grandmother building up a strong family loyal to one another.

When I was really young my grandparents bought a 2-acre garden with an intended purpose. Each Saturday grandpa gathered the family and taught us how to work the earth. Whether it was tilling, weeding, irrigating, planting seeds of all kinds Grandpa was busy teaching valuable principles of hard work. We enjoyed the blessings of our labor with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables to circulate among our separate neighborhoods. He was teaching us the benefits service.

Having grown up in the depression and working since he was a child, Grandpa was deeply concerned about people going into debt. He taught, “Pay yourself. You worked for your money. Let your money work for you.” This meant save your money, put it in the bank, and let the interest work to make even more money.

Photo: With my grandparents after our marriage on April 11, 1997 - According to my LDS Faith the person marrying us dresses in white a symbol of purity and of God.

Twenty years ago President Gordon B. Hinckley of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints gave my granddad authority to marry couples in our temples. My wife and I were fortunate and blessed to be married by granddad in the beautiful Salt Lake City Temple. During our marriage ceremony my sweet grandpa gave us sound advice. He said, “Never go to bed angry at one another. Laugh if you have to. Work it out. You need to know what is in each other’s hearts. Tell each other everything.” He counseled us to make God a partner in our relationship. “The good Lord will help you in hard times and bring happiness to your home.”

The morning I was born on April 24, 1973 when my parents were told I probably would not make it because of a congenital heart defect my father picked up my granddad and headed to the hospital. Together they took me into a small room shortly before surgery and held a special prayer with all the faith they could muster. That blessing, that quiet humble prayer, has been vindicated time and time again.

In lieu of my brother’s tragic death on June 9, 2009 our family is grateful Grandpa now joins Brian in the afterlife. What a reunion! I can only imagine my brother anxiously awaiting his arrival with open arms into paradise. I’ll miss my grandfather. I know he'll care for my brother and thousands of others who need strong men of courage, integrity, devotion, and love.

The grief I'm experiencing is that an era has come to an end. The sadness is in the knowledge that none of us will ever be little again to enjoy the little things like working in the garden side by side with granddad, getting an ice cream out of his hands, fishing the Grey's River in Wyoming, or listening to his stories of building things, war, or the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Photo: My brother Brian holding his daughter Ava sitting with Grandpa

I’m grateful for this wonderful man, my granddad, Alan W. Layton, who devoted his life to creating nostalgic memories, which brought us closer together as a family and closer to God.

All is well....

Posted by Lynnette

We continue to marvel at the progress Paul is making. If you can believe it, he is off the respirator and has been talking and joking like his old self between periods of rest. We are still in shock! He still has several indwelling lines, chest tubes, drains, and lots of medications but all the equipment and bandages seem invincible when you see his great smile.

We sense a great deal of energy from Paul that is anxious to come out when his body is able to comply. The anticipation of the great things that we will see from him in the future with this new found energy is exciting. We are all just awestruck at the steps he is making towards recovery.

What a gift from God this has been, as the miracles continue to come. And what a gift from a selfless family this has provided for us. We are deeply overcome with love for them and their sacrifice as we see the new heart beating in Paul's chest under his skin.

Please continue to pray for a smooth recovery as we still have obstacles to overcome. Again, we thank you all so much for the love you have extended to us.

As we read a few of your comments to Paul earlier while he was still on the ventilator, he was so overcome with emotion that it was difficult for him. We treasure all the comments, well wishes, and prayers you continue to send our way. We are richly blessed.

Thank you for your support!

I can't thank all of you enough for your prayers, thoughts, lighting a candle, friendship, and love. I saw this video today and thought of you. "Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You, too? Thought I was the only one," said C.S. Lewis.

How Is it that I Get By?

People have asked me over and over how it is that I get by? Even now with the tragic death of my brother who I am so close too. How do any of us get by? For me, it's almost impossible to explain a spiritual feeling deep in my soul that keeps me focused and reminds me that life is temporary but how we choose to act in this life is eternal. It doesn't make life any easier only more tolerable.

After learning of my failing heart I submitted a blog called Good News. Here are a few paragraphs from that entry:

"What gives me comfort and peace? The love I feel from my wife, family, and friends. Thanks to all of you we literally feel the arms of God around us."

"I also find great comfort in my faith. I know that God lives. Jesus is the Christ. He is my friend. Life is part of a three act play. We are now experiencing the challenges of the 2nd act. In time, all of us will begin act three as we pass through death and wait for the resurrection made possible by Jesus Christ who loosed the bands of physical death. All of us receive that divine gift because of His kindness and power. We will have new and improved bodies to enjoy eternal life in the presence of good and kind people."

"Some of us may need a physical transplant but we must also, all of us, experience a spiritual transplant. I strive for that every day of my life because I know I am far from perfect in kindness and friendship. But, through faith, repentance, and baptism we may begin the process of having our spiritual heart transplant made possible by the suffering of our Savior in Gethsemane and on the Cross. Because of Jesus we don't have to die spiritually. He will heal our hearts and we will feel free."

I feel peace because of your prayers, thoughts, and hopes in my behalf! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! You are true friends and family.

Once again, Lyrics to My Life's Anthem (Bring the Rain by Mercyme)

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that
I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You

Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am yours regardless of
the clouds that may loom above
because you are much greater than my pain
you who made a way for me
suffering is Your destiny
so tell me whats a little rain?

Learn more about my faith and the root of what aids me in times of trial:
http://thedoctrineofchrist.blogspot.com/

Say a Prayer for Gracie

I have been deeply affected by a little girl named Gracie Gledhill. It has been a roller coaster ride for her sweet family whom I’ve never met. I heard about her from Leslie Cluff who lost her child to CHD. Immediately, I was drawn to Gracie’s story. Her young mother, father, 2 brothers, 1 sister, and a countless number of people have been praying for this little girl. Gracie was born with a severe congenital heart disease. After various up hill battles, hope and prayer, she was listed for a heart last Tuesday. She was placed at the top of the list under the care of my transplant physician. I witnessed a miracle when I learned Saturday night that a call came. Doctors had a heart for Gracie. Throughout the night, morning, afternoon, and into the evening, her mother updated the blog whenever they had news. I kept checking in to see what was happening.

But, today she is struggling to survive because her body is rejecting the heart. I don’t know what’s going to happen. But, I am humbled. This is a sobering experience. A great man once wrote something like, “I don’t know the meaning of all things but I know that God loves his children.”

(Picture: These machines are the ECMO. They can sustain Gracie for a a little more than a week.)

Say a prayer for the Gracie Gledhill family.

The Blessings of Christmas

Two months ago all I could do is lay around because doctors were trying to figure out how to get my heart failure under control. I was in need of a serious tune up.

Whether it's a consequence or not, I was humbled to learn that my family, friends, fans of my music, and those I don't even know began praying for me.

I want everyone to know that God is good to me and loves you because for the past two weeks, as we get closer to Christmas I have felt great. Not 100%, but well enough to get out a few ours each day. Well enough, to make gingerbread houses with my kid. Well enough to laugh and enjoy this time of year. And it's because of prayer and the wisdom of my doctors that I am tuned up for a time. And what better time than Christmas!

Prayer is gift. Life is a gift. Family is a gift. And I am more than happy this particular time of year to celebrate the Birth of our Lord.

YOUR HEART vs. MY HEART

So what is normal?

To the right is a a picture of a normal heart and an imperfect version of my own. (You can make it bigger by clicking on it).

You'll notice I have no right ventricle. Oh well. So to my understanding, the non-oxygenated blood comes from the body into the homemade right atrium. The non-oxygenated blood swirls around like a round about and goes and flows, hopefully, into the left ventricle. (There are usually two valves or doors for the blood to flow in but my "tricuspid valve" is not there.) Thus, my congenital heart defect properly titled, "Tricuspid Atresia." Oh yea, my main arteries were reversed at birth giving me the other titled, "Transposition of the greater arteries or TGA."

WEEK 5
Since I was listed I had been feeling ok, laying around, most of the time. Last week doctors turned up my pacemaker, upped my dose of synthroid, and gave me a large dose of Steroids. It was like night and day. I felt great for a few days and had a lot of strength. Plus, I watch more baseball. But, the side effect now is more swelling in my legs and stomach.

THANKS
I want to thank everyone for all their prayers and fasting on my behalf. I can literally feel the arms of God around me through your prayers, service, and love. There is great power in prayer and they are answered. I'm overwhelmed by the support we have received. We love you all!

Meeting the transplant team

My wife and I, along with my parents, met with Latoya, a coordinator with the heart and lung transplant team. We, went over all of the aspects of being listed and receiving a heart. There is a lot of work put into the process. One is required to be in somewhat good condition so the heart will not be rejected. There are about 30 on the list in Utah. And they have over 90% success rate for the first year.

Later, we had a memorable meeting with John Doty, the son of Donald Doty who performed both of my previous operations. He studied at Georgetown and then John Hopkins. He was so positive and expressed his desire to be the one to do the surgery. He said his Dad wants to be there as well. He said, “We are not going to let anything happen to you.” I know they will do an extremely professional job. He is a great man just like his Dad. (Donald Doty served as a general authority Seventy and was a surgical partner with Elder Russell M. Nelson, an apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)

On Tuesday they will present my case before the board and there will be a vote. I’ll know in a few days if we move forward. But, I'm confident it will go through. Since my first meeting with Dr. Renlund (also a area seventy) I have had various tests and a lot of blood work. These things don’t bother me.

I have received nothing but support from family and friends. People are so good to us. And I thank everyone for their faith and prayers on my behalf. Also pray for the family whose tragedy and sacrifice will create new life and another chance for me and my family.

Possible Heart Transplant

Hi family & friends,

A little more boring news "all about me" . . but, I want you to know what is going on and encourage you to keep most of all my wife Lynnette, daughter Eden, and me in your prayers (along with everyone else in the world that needs our prayers). We could really use the help.

After reviewing my tests from last week's procedure which was difficult to recover from doctors told us today what needs to happen. . Transplant if I qualify. This Thursday I will meet with the heart & lung transplant team to begin further testing and discussion to determine if I do qualify for the heart transplant. There are a lot of details. Most of the doctors in our community familiar with my case believe I should have the transplant as soon as possible because of how damaged my right atrium is. Blood is just swirling around in there like and having a hard time leaving to the lungs for oxygen. There is another more difficult option but it was ruled out because my body is not strong enough. Regardless by the end of the year I may be having major open heart surgery. . . If I get a transplant there are good chances of living a little longer and enjoying all of you.

A little wild! This is very sobering for us at this time but we have hope and faith in God's great plan of happiness. Leaving the hospital everything outside seemed more beautiful and the music on the radio felt more alive. All is well in Zion!! Pray for our little family.

WE LOVE ALL OF YOU AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP & LOVE!!!

paul


--------------------------------------------
"Dearly dearly has he loved.
And we must love him to.
And trust in his redeeming blood
And try his works to do."
--------------------------------------------

My Heart Defect

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to write to let everyone know that I am feeling well and thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Our family is really blessed! And we feel it from you. We will find out on Tuesday what the doctor’s plan is for me and my future after they study through the test results of my Heart Catheterization. I've had them several times and usually it's like going to the dentist for a root canal. No big deal. But this one was a little wild.

They put me completely under for the procedure paralyzing my muscles temporarily so I would not move. Then they thread a small tube up through an artery on my left leg. The shot some type of dye and were able to map out my heart and view things they can never see externally. They learned that the left side of my heart is functioning really well and was miraculously in sinus rhythm (normal heart rhythm). But, the other side of my heart, where the right atrium has been blowing up over the years like a balloon full of blood that swirls around, is having a hard time finding where it is supposed to go. It’s cutting off blood flow to my lungs and I get less oxygen to my body.

Waking up from the procedure was uncomfortable. My body was put completely under. They give you a little something to help your body start up again and pulled a tube from my throat which was helping my lungs expand so I could breath. But we ran into a problem and for almost 2 hours my lungs struggled to take over the breathing process. I felt like I was drowning or had a bag over my head and just trying to grab on to something to try and get a good long breath of air. It was not fun. But, I’m glad it’s over and they have great information to evaluate my case.

I've been blessed my whole life to have this heart defect. I am far from perfect and needed this in my life to teach me things I could have never learned without it. I want to live a long time and enjoy my family and the life I've been blessed with. With every struggle I continue to be reminded by a sweet feeling of peace that our Savior, and Messiah Jesus, his atonement, & resurrection, are real truths. God is my friend. And I know everything works out according to His plan of happiness and purpose for living.

So again, I will find out Tuesday what they would like to do. All the prayers and fasting will undoubtedly influence their decision. Thanks for everything . . . Let us also know if any of you are having some challenges that we should pray for.

All the best,

Paul