My Journey

PRE COVID

Snapshots from moments not captured in the book.

Before life changed, there was ordinary life — family, friends, and moments worth remembering.

December 12, 2020 - My son Patrick's birthday. L-R, Patrick, Me, Sydney, Rich, Maureen, Sylvia, Eddie, Valerie, and my baby, Isabella.

November 28, 2020 — Kelly and I at the Venetian in Las Vegas during a Texas Hold ’em tournament, with the Mirage in the background.

December 6, 2020 — One of my very best friends. We went into the hospital at the same time, but COVID took him. I miss you, Rick.

February 7, 2021 — Sydney and I, just two months before my life changed forever.

My Journey - The Fight

Snapshots from moments not captured in the book.

April 27, 2021 - I can not believe I feel this awful.

June 18, 2021 - Ventilated.

July 8, 2021 - 7lb weighted blanket, feeding tube, good times.

November 21, 2021 - Rebecca and Pam are getting me moving.

July 13, 2021 - Inclined in my Kreg bed.

August 9, 2021 - Fighting for life, surrounded by love and hope.

December 6, 2021 - All muscle mass gone, significant weight loss.

January 9, 2022 — The Sara Plus Power Standing Patient Lift.

This was my view for eight months — the Advocate Christ Medical Center logo outside my window. In the book, I talk about how that view eventually changed to the Chicago skyline at Northwestern, and later to Navy Pier and the sunrise over Lake Michigan during rehab at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Recovery & Life Returned

Snapshots from moments not captured in the book.

March 16, 2022 - Good to be home!

Maureen must have folded and unfolded that wheelchair 50 times in the first year post-DLT.

March 4, 2023 - Andy Jaley and I post presentation.

Daily mandatory pills - never miss taking them.

July 23, 2022 - It's been 13 months since we've dined together. Special day.

* March 4, 2022 - Presenting to the Chicagoland Perfusion Foundation.

* Having the opportunity to speak in front of so many incredible people was something I will never forget. One of the most meaningful parts of the evening was reconnecting with some of the people who cared for me at Christ Medical Center, as well as members of the Rush University team. Being able to shake hands, share hugs, and say thank you meant more than I can put into words.

August 14, 2022 - My daughter, Isabella, center, birthday celebration. I missed the previous year in the hospital. Grateful to be home, healthy and with my family.

March 4, 2023 - Pictured with my family is Andy Jaley, one of the perfusionists who cared for me during my time at Christ Medical Center. Andy also wrote the foreword to my book.