Heart transplant recipient Steven Bradley encourages others to live every day with gratitude

Steven Bradley, a 63-year-old Florida resident, encourages others to live every day with gratitude. He shared his story of survival with community members attending a recent Wellness Series event hosted by HCA Florida Englewood Hospital. 

Thirty years ago, Steven was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a thickening of the lower main pumping chamber of the heart (the left ventricle). He is a grateful heart recipient today, providing hope to other patients needing transplants.  

In April 2022, he was placed on the transplant list for a heart. He spent four months wondering, “Am I sick enough to receive a heart transplant? Am I well enough to survive it?” His family has a history of HCM, and he lost one brother suddenly to the disease.  

He remembers hearing, “Steve, there is nothing more we can do for you.”  

At the event, Kristen Miranda, Senior Public Affairs Coordinator with LifeLink Foundation, Inc., spoke about the need for organ donor registration. Over 103,000 men, women, and children are on the National Transplant Waiting List. Approximately 5,100 of those are Floridians waiting for an opportunity for a life-saving organ transplant. According to DonateLife America, due to the shortage of organs available for transplant, 17 people die each day while waiting. “You can save eight lives through organ donation and impact 75 or more through tissue and cornea donation. There is no age limit or cost for donation, and your life is always the first priority,” said Kristen. As the third largest registry in the United States, Donate Life Florida has 11.3 million registered donors. 

Locally, LifeLink of Florida® reports that 2023 was a record year for saving lives with 340 organ donors and 891 organs transplanted. Across the nation, thanks to many generous organ donors and their families, transplants increased by 8.7% resulting in more than 46,000 organs transplanted, setting a new annual record. 

Later, Steven’s life changed when he heard, “Steve, we have a heart for you.”  

“I imagined a fancy car that I was going to get when this was all over.” said Steven. On his way to the hospital, he saw the car he imagined in his rearview mirror, then a second one. Soon, he was surrounded by a dozen exotic cars on their way to a road rally. That gave him hope.  

Thanks to the generosity of a donor, he was given another opportunity to do what he loves and experience a fulfilling life. Six months after his transplant, Steven ran a 5k race. Two months ago, he ran his 4th race and achieved his quickest pace yet. He is an active volunteer for LifeLink Foundation of Florida and an ambassador for the United Network for Organ Sharing. 

“I am in awe of this gift. My purpose has evolved, and I now recognize how fragile life is. I am a result of all the work of healthcare professionals. I am an example of when we show up and donate.” said Steven. 

To join Florida’s organ, eye, and tissue donor registry or learn more, visit DonateLifeFlorida.org.  

To learn more about HCA Florida Englewood Hospital Wellness Series events, visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com and follow the hospital on Facebook.