Scot Pollard in 2001.Photo:Tom Hauck /Allsport
Tom Hauck /Allsport
FormerNBAplayer andSurvivorcontestant Scot Pollard is on the mend afterundergoing a heart transplanton Friday.
His wife, Dawn Pollard, has shared a series of updates following the procedure in messages posted onX(formerly Twitter). “Scot has a new heart! Surgery went well and I’ve been told the heart is big, powerful and is a perfect fit!” Dawn wrote in a post on Friday.
“Now on to the crucial part of recovery," she added. “Thank you to everyone for the continued prayers and support, but most of all, deepest thanks to the donor, our hero.”
The retired athlete turned 49 during his hospital stay this month.
He was admitted to Nashville’s Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s intensive care unit on Feb. 7 before hisFeb. 12 birthdayand Valentine’s Day, both of whichhis wife helped him celebratewhile in the ICU.
His father died from the condition at age 54 when Scot was 16 years old, and half of his siblings also have the genetic condition, the outlet noted.
The former basketball star, who played 11 NBA seasons and snagged a championship ring in his final season with the Boston Celtics, was a center. His 6-foot-11 frame was a factor in finding a heart “with a pump big and strong enough to supply blood to his extra large body,” the AP said.
On Saturday, Dawn shared a photo of Scot recovering in his hospital bed.
“Look who’s awake and is feeling great!” she wrote alongside the picture. “Breathing tube came out early this morning and he started cracking jokes and singing ‘I left my heart in San Fran-Nashville’. 🤣 We are all amazed at Scot’s recovery so far! ❤️🩹🙏🏼.”
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In a video post, Dawn admired her husband’s strength after he stood up with his new heart only hours after his surgery.
“Not even 12 hours post heart transplant and he is standing! We are all amazed at his progress! Keep it going! ❤️🩹🙏🏼💪🏼.”
Prior to the transplant,Dawn documented herself trimming Scot’s beardand hair before his operation, and thanked the heart donor.
“Scot wanted me to let everyone know that the pre-heart transplant hair is gone, it’s go time!” she wrote. “Please keep the prayers coming for Scot, the surgeons, for the donor and his family who lost their loved one. This donor gave the most amazing gift of life and we are forever grateful❤️🩹.”
source: people.com
