SENIOR SPECTACULAR
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ART TOWNSEND
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HEART TRANSPLANT DOESN’T SLOW DOWN THE ‘MIRACLE MAN.’
A
rt Townsend suffered his first heart attack at
the age of 37, and for many years struggled
mightily with congestive heart failure. He
was placed on a heart transplant list, but
due to his condition—which wavered from month to
month—was not a favorable organ recipient.
On June 11, 2009, a day Art will never forget, he
went into cardiac arrest while working out at the YMCA.
EMT and ER personnel fought to save his life, shocking
him back to life a remarkable 16 times! Art earned the
nickname “The Miracle Man.” One doctor told him,
“Nobody who gets shocked 16 times ever sits up in bed
and walks these halls.” Not only did Art walk the halls,
but his condition improved to the point that he was well
enough to receive a heart.
On March 1, 2014, Art received perhaps the greatest
gift of all, a new lease on life with a new heart. Luckily,
he was given a second chance and now he’s living life
to the fullest—with pickleball an important part of his new
lifestyle.
Early last year, Art decided to sell his home in Rock
Hill, South Carolina, and bought an Airstream. His sister
Pat, who had recently retired in Ohio, had moved to South
Carolina to be closer to family. She had never been west
of Indiana, so one day Art said to her, “Let’s load up the
30
Airstream and go west.” Five months and 18,000 miles
later, the duo saw a great deal of this magnificent country.
During their travels, Art found many places to play
pickleball and, as is the sport’s custom, everyone opened
up their arms and their paddles, welcoming him to what
would soon become his latest passion.
In August 2018, Art attended and participated in the
Transplant Games of America in Salt Lake City, Utah.
He competed in numerous events, winning silver medals
in basketball and badminton; and in pickleball, winning
the gold medal in the Division I Men’s Doubles, age
group 60-69, with his partner and fellow heart transplant
recipient Kerry Watts of North Carolina. There were 17
athletes from North Carolina and 31 from South Carolina.
At the closing ceremonies, 540 transplant recipients were
on hand, breaking the Guinness World Record as part of
the International Games of America 25th Anniversary. The
Games are held every two years to help raise awareness
for organ donation.
Art even penned his experiences in a book titled,
“Time’s Up.” If you’ve never considered being an organ
donor, consider it now. Art would be glad you did.
For more information or to sign up as a donor, go to
www.organdonor.gov. Leave behind the Gift of Life! •
TO SUBSCRIBE CALL 888.308.3720 OR GO TO THEPICKLEBALLMAG.COM