The Waiting List
Over 100,000 people in the United States are currently waiting for an organ transplant and that number increases every day. With so many Americans in need of organs, only 35 percent of Americans are registered to be organ donors. Despite the shortage of organs, those on the Waiting List live in a constant state of hope that their name will be the next called on the list.
Daniel Mountcastle is married and a father of three young children. He lives in Lake Worth, Florida and has end-stage cardiomyopathy, a life threatening heart condition. He has been on the Waiting List for a new heart since June 2009. His life is a constant waiting game, hoping for the call that will give him a new life, while at the same time trying to maintain a normal family and work life. This photo essay tells the story of Daniel's life and what he and his family stand to lose if he does not receive a new heart.
"Daddy's heart skips a beat," said Daniel to his daughter Emily. "Can you hear it? When I get a new heart, it won't do that." Daniel said they have tried to explain to the kids that he needs a new heart, but he doesn't think they've grasped the concept.
Daniel Mountcastle lies in his bed during a heart echo test at the University of Miami hospital. The previous day, he had been taken to the ER after experiencing flu-like symptoms. The doctors were concerned his IV may have been infected.
Daniel lies on the couch with Zach and Emily before bedtime. Despite not being able to be as active as he used to be because of his weak heart, he still tries to be a full time dad and help out with the kids as much as he can.
As Daniel helps Emily with homework, his wife Kira gives their son Zachary a kiss before she leaves for the grocery store in the evening.
Daniel's home nurse comes once a week to replace his IV bandage that he wears everyday that pumps medication into his system. The IV system that he wears pumps steroid-like medication into his system to keep his weakened heart stable.
Daniel with his family on the beach in Jupiter, Florida. With only 33 percent of Americans signed up for be organ donors, Daniel is uncertain if he will receive a new heart before his current one gives out. Doctors have told him he has a year to live.
He always wears his "Donate Life" wristband and encourages friends and coworkers to become organ donors.
Daniel was in stable condition in the intensive care unit just after his operation.
The first time seeing Daniel after his transplant, Kira gives him a kiss.
Kira's visits Daniel at the hospital a week after his sucessful heart transplant operation. They decided to not bring the kids to the hospital because they didn't want them to see their Dad is a vulnerable condition.
Nine days after his transplant, Kira and Daniel took a walk around his floor and stopped by a hospital window. "I'm looking forward to part two of my life," Daniel said. "I can't wait to do all the things with my family that I couldn't do before."
Daniel's son Zach inspects his Dad's scar. "Daddy had to go away because he had a fever, but he's all better now," said Zach. His parents had tried to explain to him what the problem was, but the three year old was too young to fully grasp it.
Daniel and Kira share an embrace in their driveway before heading inside after Daniel returned home for the first time after his transplant.
In print in the Palm Beach Post.