Victor Cooper
Heart Recipient
In October of 2022, Victor began experiencing symptoms of heart failure and was initially diagnosed with pneumonia. In November of 2022, doctors confirmed that Victor’s heart problems were rooted in end-stage heart failure at just 20 years old. His doctors believe his heart issues were caused by lingering effects from COVID-19, which Victor had in January of that year.
With his heart declining so quickly, Victor was admitted to MUSC in Charleston and began waiting for a heart transplant. On December 30th of 2022, Victor received his new heart and a second chance at life. Victor is the second heart recipient of a Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD) in South Carolina. This means he received a heart from a donor whose gifts were recovered via the pathway of the donor’s heart stopping in a controlled hospital setting. Victor was released from the hospital just a few days after his heart transplant and continues to thrive. “My gratitude for my family, friends and my donor hero is unending. My life is ongoing thanks to this selfless gift I’ve received,” shared Victor.
Victor’s story serves as an inspiration and testament to the impact of organ donation and transplantation. He continues to raise awareness and educate others about the importance of donation through volunteering.