Donell White, a former patient, now works as a patient transporter at Emory University Hospital and Emory Clinics in Atlanta. Doctors diagnosed him with congestive heart failure in 2019 and told him he needed a heart transplant. While waiting for a heart, he showed his every day. 

 

Over time, Donell became sicker, and doctors implanted a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) to help his weak heart pump blood throughout his body. During this time, while in the in the hospital, he met a patient transporter who inspired him — he wanted to become one too. As soon as he was able, he became a transporter and gave patient pep talks and encouraging words to those who felt defeated because of their health, all while still waiting for a heart. He walked more than eight miles a day, three days a week throughout the hospital and clinics pushing patients. 

 

He became healthier and stronger and finally got the call — Donell now has a heart but always did.