Valentine’s Day Heart Transplant Saved New Jersey Man’s Life

NEWARK, NJ — Five years ago, Ronald Trout of New Jersey got a Valentine’s Day gift that is nearly impossible to top: a new heart.

On Wednesday, Trout – a 65-year-old Long Branch resident – will celebrate the fifth anniversary of his lifesaving heart transplant at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.

Trout, a musician and poet who is known for his easygoing personality, had to reach deep to make it through one of the hardest times of his life, according to hospital administrators.

In 2012, Trout suffered a serious heart attack that nearly killed him. He underwent quadruple bypass surgery, and a pacemaker was inserted. Six years later, as his health continued to deteriorate, Trout was added to the heart transplant waiting list.

“I was losing hope, but I had a dream where a beautiful voice said, ‘It’s not your time to go yet, Ronnie – I want you to keep hanging in there,’” he recalled.

“Those words helped give me the strength to keep going,” Trout said.

Shortly after having this dream, Trout got the call he’d been waiting for – a donated organ was ready.

Trout got his new heart on Feb. 14, 2019. And he says that he will never forget the person who gave it to him.

“When I wake up each day, I immediately give a special heartfelt thanks to my heart donor and his family and the amazing team at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center for giving me a second chance to live life to its fullest and enjoy more time with my family and friends,” Trout said.

This life philosophy is encapsulated in one of his poems, which reads: “Chant, pray, sing the night away / Whatever helps you through to another day.”

Since his transplant, Trout has become a passionate advocate for NJ Sharing Network, a nonprofit organization that helps recover donated organs and tissue in the Garden State.

It’s vital that people register as organ and tissue donors, advocates say. According to United Network for Organ Sharing, there are more than 100,000 Americans – nearly 4,000 of whom live in New Jersey – waiting for their own lifesaving transplant.

To learn more or join the National Donate Life Registry as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page.