TESTIMONIALS

Doctors, Nurses, Social Workers & Orgs

“Thank you for sharing your wonderful new idea… invaluable and very much needed.”

Dr. Sam Baradarian, Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon; Scripps Health, La Jolla
“[This program meets an unfilled need] by creating a supportive environment and educational process.”

Wendy Atchely, MSN, RN, CCRP; Manager of Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and Wellness, UCSD, La Jolla
“Great! My patients get MORE SUPPORT; availability of Guides is an important, differentiating characteristic.”

Jennifer Nowaczyk, PA, VAD/MCI Program Coordinator; Scripps Health, La Jolla
“[The Guide Program] helps others and provides emotional and practical support… helps candidates make informed decisions about their health and future.”

Jackie Watson, RN; Scripps Cardiac Rehab Center, La Jolla
“Jim has been a strong advocate for including both peer and professional psychological support for cardiac patients… I’m pleased to learn that he is now focusing on transplant patients, who certainly need that extra support.”

Chris Moline-Messick, RN, C, FAACVPR; Manager, Cardiac Treatment Center, Scripps Health, La Jolla
“I look forward to being a part, in whatever capacity... to your program... my 15 years of experience as a social worker and therapist complement what you are doing.”

Frances Ber, BA, MA ( Psychology); MCS and Heart Transplant Social Worker, Scripps Health La Jolla
“The general public doesn’t understand transplant very well, so end stage heart failure patients can feel quite scared and isolated. There is so much to learn, decide, and handle – emotionally, logistically, and financially. It can be overwhelming. Peer support offers something powerful, unique and enduring that professional support cannot: a connection (and possibly a bond) with someone who has a similar lived experience. It helps so much not to feel alone!”

Laurie McDonald, LCSW, CCTSW, Transplant Social Worker; UNC Center for Transplant Care; Past President of the Society of Transplant Social Workers
“… an extraordinary enterprise. It will open an opportunity for heart transplant candidates and recipients to connect with someone who has lived and thrived through one of the most formidable events one can experience. The very specific needs of transplants are a unique focus that is mostly absent in heart support organizations.”

Lisa Ferguson, Champion and District Leader for “WomenHeart”

Heart Transplant Recipients & Carepartners

“Jim and Frank have been mentors/sponsors for me for over 7 years, including LVAD surgery and transplant. GUIDES provide information and coaching you NEED before and after transplant. Often they will provide answers to questions you didn’t even know to ask. They’ve been through the journey; worked with many, many people, both in-hospital and out and are active in multiple support group activities. On the night of my transplant, my family all left at midnight; when they came to get me for the transplant at 3:00AM, Jim was still there by my bed.”

TY, UCSD, 2019
“I had a heart transplant on January 18, 2020 at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. I am a heart attack survivor, LVAD recipient, heart transplant recipient, and have a new heart valve implant. I also had a pacemaker, a defibrillator, and an LVAD prior to heart transplant. I participated in the Scripps LVAD support group and visited pre- and post-LVAD patients, as well as participated in the Scripps Heart Transplant Support Group and the UCSD Heart Transplant and LVAD Support Group. During this process, I have met Jim Bischoff and Frank Andrews who helped guide me through the process of emotional acceptance, and finding a new, hopeful normal. Now, my wife and I want to help others on the same path.”

JT, Cedars, 2020
“I am a caregiver/partner to my husband since his major heart attack in 2016. After that he had an LVAD procedure done and then a heart transplant in 2020. I met Jim at Scripps Cardiac Rehab Center not long after my husband got out of the hospital after the heart attack. Jim helped us a lot and patiently walked us through the process of LVAD and pre- and post-heart transplant. After that, my husband and I met Frank, who always gave us support and suggestions. We appreciate all the advice, support, and encouragement they have given us through our journey. While my husband had his LVAD, we volunteered to visit pre- and post-LVAD patients. We talked to them about our experience and gave support to the patients and family members. Having Jim and Frank as our mentors is a kind of support that is very important to me. They are my support and inspiration. I know that I can reach out to them if I need help and support. I am sure that the Heart Transplant Guides can help you go through this process as well.”

JT, CarePartner
“…met with Jim after being told I needed a transplant. Meeting with someone who has such a positive outlook started my experience on a positive note… helped with the wonderful outcome.”

MJ, Sharp, 2015
“It is hard to imagine what the heart transplant journey would have been without Jim as our Guide. My significant other of 20 years was blessed with a new heart at Mayo in Jacksonville, Florida in December 2015. While the Heart Transplant Team at Mayo was the finest imaginable, Jim gave us his first-hand experience as a heart recipient throughout our journey. I will never forget sitting alone in Alex’s hospital room following his transplant when he was still not awake. My cellphone rang, and it was Jim! What a comfort it was to be able to talk to him at that moment!”

TB, CarePartner
“It takes a tribe to get through transplant. This will help patients do just that.”

CSR, Sharp, 2006
“Sign me up!”

SJ, Cedars, 2020
“A really good idea.”

JT, Cedars, 2020
“It’s about time. There’s been nothing like this to help transplant patients; I am so grateful.”

CCY, Sharp, 2014
“I want to thank you for all your help getting me through everything and on to the best part of my life. The past 5 years have been icing on a beautiful cake.”

MJ, Sharp, 2015

TESTIMONIALS

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“Thank you for sharing your wonderful new idea… invaluable and very much needed.”

“[This program meets an unfilled need] by creating a supportive environment and educational process.”

“Great! My patients get MORE SUPPORT; availability of Guides is an important, differentiating characteristic.”

“[The Guide Program] helps others and provides emotional and practical support… helps candidates make informed decisions about their health and future.”

“Jim has been a strong advocate for including both peer and professional psychological support for cardiac patients… I’m pleased to learn that he is now focusing on transplant patients, who certainly need that extra support.”

“I look forward to being a part, in whatever capacity... to your program... my 15 years of experience as a social worker and therapist complement what you are doing.”

“…met with Jim after being told I needed a transplant. Meeting with someone who has such a positive outlook started my experience on a positive note… helped with the wonderful outcome.”

“It takes a tribe to get through transplant. This will help patients do just that.”

“Sign me up!”

“A really good idea.”

“It’s about time. There’s been nothing like this to help transplant patients; I am so grateful.”

“I want to thank you for all your help getting me through everything and on to the best part of my life. The past 5 years have been icing on a beautiful cake.”

TESTIMONIALS