Bob Went from a Heart Transplant to the Transplant Games

Heart transplant survivor, Bob Goodman, competed in the Transplant Games of America, a multi-sport event produced by the Transplant Life Foundation for individuals who have undergone life-saving transplant surgeries.

An avid, life-long athlete, Bob competed in several cycling, swimming and track and field events over the course of the Games in August 2018.

“I went from having end-stage heart disease to competing in the Transplant Games, and I have my doctors, surgeons and cardiac rehab professionals to thank for it,” Bob shared.

Since 2008, when Bob received his first pacemaker, he’s undergone two rounds of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation at Virtua, including rehabilitation after his transplant. “I chose Virtua for my rehabilitation because it’s a quality program that’s close to home,” Bob said.

Bob credits Virtua’s cardiac rehabilitation program for helping him get back to being active after his transplant. “Cardiac rehab is a very important part of a patient’s recovery after a heart event,” says Renee Lombo, nurse manager, Virtua Cardiac Rehabilitation. “Through supervised exercise and education, we can help patients get back to their lives and develop heart-healthy habits so they can stay healthy and out of the hospital.”

Despite all of its benefits, only 19 to 34 percent of those who need cardiac rehabilitation actually participate, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Million Hearts project.

Knowing this, Bob is now an advocate: “My message to anyone who’s had a heart event and prescribed cardiac rehab—do it. Don’t put it off. It can make all the difference in your recovery.”

Updated March 16, 2020