Ten years ago, Brian Campbell thought he was just feeling bloated. A doctor’s routine visit revealed something far more serious, his heart function had dropped to 20% due to a virus that had enlarged his heart. It was the beginning of a long medical journey filled with uncertainty, strength, and ultimately, life-saving hope.
Medication and a pacemaker helped Brian stabilize for years. But by 2023, his condition began to decline again. He collapsed while working as a security officer at an elementary school and was rushed to the hospital. His doctors adjusted his medications, but he continued to retain fluid, and his kidneys began to struggle. What began as a heart condition quickly escalated into a critical situation that impacted his kidneys.
“I went from not even being on the transplant list to being told I’d have to stay in the hospital until I got a heart or I wouldn’t make it,” Brian recalled.
On January 5, he was prepped for surgery after being matched with a heart donor. But when the heart arrived, doctors discovered the donor had cancer. Brian was already connected to machines and his chest had been opened—yet the surgery had to be stopped. Still, he remained hopeful.
A week later, Brian received the extraordinary news, he was matched with another donor, this time for both a heart and a kidney. Within 48 hours, he underwent two major transplant surgeries—one on Friday, the other on Saturday—and by Sunday, he was up and out of bed.
“There’s not much time to worry,” Brian said. “You just focus on getting better.”
Brian said the transplant evaluation process was thorough but reassuring. “They make sure you’re physically and mentally ready, and that you’ll honor the gift of an organ by taking care of yourself afterward. I was really impressed with how seriously they take it.”
At first, a kidney transplant hadn’t even been on his radar. But as his condition worsened, doctors warned that his kidneys might not recover, especially with the new medications required after a heart transplant. Brian didn’t want to take a kidney unless it was absolutely necessary, especially knowing so many others are waiting. But when he learned he could receive both organs from the same donor, it made sense. Dialysis would have meant a much longer and more complex road to recovery.
Brian is filled with gratitude for his donor and their family. He’s written them a heartfelt letter and now honors their legacy by living a healthy and purposeful life.
Thanks to his second chance, Brian is back to doing what he loves, working on cars at the racetrack, greeting customers at the family’s orchard, and traveling again with his wife, Donna. The couple recently celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary. Their son Jack now helps run the family business, with Brian continuing to support in an advisory role.
He’s also become a passionate advocate for organ donation. His Corvette, proudly bearing the license plate “2ORGANS,” sparks conversations everywhere he goes. He encourages others to register as donors and talk with their families about the decision.
“Every transplant recipient has a unique story,” Brian said. “And for most of us, it’s a positive one. If I can get just one person to sign up, that’s one more family who may receive the gift of life.”
One of the most meaningful moments for Brian came while he was still in the hospital. His son, whose driver’s license was up for renewal, quietly chose to register as an organ donor. “He didn’t even tell me,” Brian said. “But seeing what I was going through showed him how important it is. That meant a lot.”
Brian continues to heal and grow stronger every day. He approaches life with gratitude and encourages others awaiting transplant to stay positive, trust their care teams, and keep the faith. “Have the right mindset,” he said. “Believe in something bigger than yourself. And follow everything your doctors say. They know what they’re doing. Organ donation gives you a real second chance.”
Brian’s story is one of resilience, faith, and the lifesaving power of generosity. Thanks to the selfless choice of one donor, a husband is still by his wife’s side, and a father is still present for his family.