On Dec. 6: Organ Transplant Team Speaks at Carmel's Books & Brews

On Thursday, December 6th, Robert Horsey will be at Books & Brews in Carmel to share from his book, “Gifted,” as well as the importance of becoming donor-designated and registering oneself for organ donation.

The 50-year-old Carmel resident will be joined by Dr. John Paris, a heart transplant surgeon with St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital’s Heart Transplant Program. The free session begins at 7 p.m. at Books & Brews, 61 West City Center Drive.

Published a year ago, the novel is a moving account that flows from Robert’s work as an organ transplant coordinator in the Midwest. Providing a powerfully realistic view of the organ transplant process, “Gifted” has since been embraced by the transplant community as well as the broader public across five continents.

A portion of the proceeds from book sales go to Donate Life America.

In the program, excerpts of “Gifted” will be read, followed by a Question & Answer session and a book signing. An organ recovery coordinator with the Indiana Donor Network, Horsey answered some questions in advance of the program next week.

Q: For nearly 20 years, you have been a critical care nurse. That must be emotionally exhausting—how do you handle that?

A: Most of my medical career has been spent in organ donation and transplantation. In that time, I have worked with over 1,000 donors, recipients and their family members. I’ve had the honor of helping them navigate the process, especially the clinical management of organ donations.

What is really gratifying, in the midst of all the stress, is being part of turning a tragedy into something positive. That helps families cope with their loss. In a field where we deal a lot with death, life can also come from it.

Q: Where did the idea for the book come from?

A: I had this story in my head that wouldn’t go away. I reached out to a friend who’s a screenwriter, and he said, you know, honestly, just sit down and start writing.

The book was written as a screenplay first. There was interest in producing the film from a production company in Indianapolis, however the budget for the film was a huge obstacle. I still wanted to get the story out there and make more people aware of organ donation, so I figured the best way to do that would be to novelize the screenplay. I still have hopes for the screenplay, I think it will be a great medium to share my message.

Q: What do you hope people take away from the book?

A: According to Donate Life America, 95 percent of Americans support organ donation, but only 58 percent are registered. Communicating this process accurately and sensitively, as my book does, is part of addressing concerns and dispelling myths that people may have. A few of those myths: by having a heart on your driver’s license, that means the hospital won’t work their hardest to save you; that the waiting list can be manipulated to serve certain people; or that donors are not treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve – all false assumptions.

“Gifted” has sparked conversations and helped people to understand the “why” of organ donation. It’s always gratifying to see that light go on in someone’s head during a conversation or presentation. For the first time, they “get it.” And I’d like to think that means that, somewhere down the line, someone else will benefit—maybe even have their life saved—from that shift in thinking.

To contact Robert Horsey or to learn more about “Gifted,” visit www.gifted-thenovel.com. On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giftedthenovel2017/

Photo Captions:

Robert Horsey (right) and Dr. John Paris (left) flank Debby Preiser of the Oak Park (Ill.) Public Library after a program there on November 14th.

The cover of "Gifted," whose sales since its launch in late 2017 have spanned five continents.

Robert Horsey, author of "Gifted."

Robert Horsey is pictured during a surgery. In his career, he has worked with over 1,000 donors, recipients and their family members.