Our very own T-Bird ...Celebrating 10th anniversary of heart transplant.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

If you've ever had the pleasure to ride with this man or hang out with him then you know he can ride like the wind and is a blast to be around. Below is from Terry's hometown news paper The Cleveland Banner . I'm proud to know you my friend and look forward to many more years of sharin' the wind with you  









People who know and love Terry Akins may describe him as a man who's all heart, as someone who loves to help others whenever possible. But Akins needed a new heart, an organ transplant in September 2003. Ten years later, the Cleveland resident said he is celebrating life with his wife and children with more appreciation than ever for a gift that keeps on giving and a life of purpose, thanks to an organ donor and the grace of God.

Akins, 56, was in his early 40s when doctors diagnosed him with a near-fatal virus called sarcoidosis that infected his heart and left it with only 10 percent output. The cause of the virus is unknown and there is no cure.

"I would need a transplant to survive," Akins explained. "It soon sent me spiraling into congestive heart failure with severe fatigue. For the next 18 months after my diagnosis, I struggled to breathe, and my condition deteriorated to the point where I dreaded even walking up the stairs in my home. I would sit for hours in my recliner using all my might just to breathe. My wife, Gina, and I would make weekly and bi-weekly trips to Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville, to see the transplant doctors and get routine testing done. Many times I would have to stay in intensive care for up to 10 days to get the fluid off my lungs and get me stable enough to come back home."

The ordeal went on for about five months, according to Akins, until Sept. 19, 2003, when the family received a phone call that changed their lives.

"That's when I got a call from the transplant doctors that a heart had been found that was a good match for me," he said. "I had roughly three hours to get to Vanderbilt, get admitted and get ready for the operation. We already had our bags packed for months waiting for this special call, so Gina, my youngest son, Reid, and I were out the door in just a matter of minutes."

While driving, calls were made to his oldest son, Chad, other family members and close friends, who formed a support group. Loved ones made arrangements to be there for the family.

"We arrived at the hospital at just before midnight," Akins recalled. "The next several hours were the hardest for my family and the easiest for me. My family had the fear they may never see me again and thought of what could happen. But for me it was like getting a winning lottery ticket! I knew this was the fix that I needed to get back to were I was just several months before."

The operation on Sept. 20 went perfect. Akins said he was out in a few hours to be greeted by many family members and friends.

"The first thing I noticed was that I could feel my heart beating for the first time in months!" he said. "It was like turning back time and getting my old life back! I didn't realize how bad I had gotten until I got my new heart. It was like a miracle. I was a new man over night. The very next day I was walking the halls of the hospital."

Although his organ transplant was a success, Akins admits, "I cannot say that these past 10 years, have been perfect health wise, because I was on so much heavy steroids to make sure that the virus was gone, that some of my joints have suffered. I had to have both hips replaced and may have to get my knees done in the future. But these are simple things compared to the alternative I was looking at 10 years ago. Now I wake up every morning looking forward to a new day. I thank God everyday! You don't take anything for granted any more. I have a whole different outlook on life because I prioritize things differently. Work comes last on the list. Your family comes first."

Akins said he shares his experience with others, answering the most common question of those in similar need of an organ transplant.

"A lot of people ask how bad do you have to be before you can get an organ transplant," he said. "People on the transplant list really don't know how long they'll have to wait before they can get an organ. There is a list of things you have to qualify for. My doctor explained it to me this way — he said it's just like a car engine. They're going to try and get as much miles out of that old engine before they have to put in a new one. That's what they did on me. They knew exactly where I was along the line. They said it's time where they will either have to put me on a machine to pump my blood or I was going to need a transplant. I was blessed to get a transplant real quick."

Because of his heart transplant Akins said he has been able to experience many blessings in life, including seeing both his sons grow up to become successful young men.

"Gina and I have done some traveling and are about to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary! I get to see my parents and brothers more often. Plus, I rode my motorcycle all over the United States and spread the word about organ donation," Akins said. "My 10-year anniversary coincides with the 150th anniversary of the Chickamauga battle. I am looking forward to attending the battle re-enactments that weekend. I will also plan a motorcycle trip sometime later down to Texas, and New Mexico."

Gina, added, "He has done exceptionally well since the transplant, despite having both hips replaced within the past seven years. He has a wonderful outlook on life and is such an inspiration to everyone diagnosed with congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy and other health conditions. Several people have contacted Terry over the years for advice, surgery information and options as well as lots of reassurance."

"If there is one thing I want people to know it's that you can live a normal life after transplant," Akins said. "I hope that by doing the things I do, I can give hope to people waiting for transplants, and also encourage people to consider organ donation. It's hard to think about being in a position to donate your organs or your loved one's organs. But if you're ever in that position, it's nice to know that something good can come out of it. I know I would not be here right now if not for organ donation."

Currently, 119,491 people are waiting for an organ in the U.S. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Services, 18 people will die each day waiting for an organ and one organ donor can save up to 8 lives



Cleveland Daily Banner - Celebrating 10th anniversary of heart transplant

[Oss]

Wonderful story

Congrats and best wishes for many happy years to come T-Bird

I am riding to Texas and points west in march/april myself taking 2 weeks, give or take

[Serk]

Awesome story, thanks for sharing, and glad he's still among us!

If I can piggy back on that, lemme take this time to beg all of ya'll to please become organ donors. Not only check the box off the list, but make sure your family knows your wishes too...

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Awesome story, thanks for sharing, and glad he's still among us!

If I can piggy back on that, lemme take this time to beg all of ya'll to please become organ donors. Not only check the box off the list, but make sure your family knows your wishes too...

If this was Facebook I'd give you a " Like "  My family is aware of my wishes.

[Bark2]

T-Bird, glad my wife and I got to meet you in Bellaire, MI. Looking forward to riding with you again.

BTW, I and my wife have signed to be organ donors.

Ride Safe.

[HayHauler]

Joe, I'm glad to know ole T-Bird.  God bless you boy and I hope you are around for many years to come.   

Hay
Jimmyt

[Ghost]

Congrats T Bird, ride safe and hope to see ya on the Fall Ride.

[robin]

Well congrats to you my friend and hope ya have many more years with us riding in the wind

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I'll be making a toast to you at The Dragon Roundup 

[..]

 

[Popcorn]

Congrats T-Bird good talking to you the other day.

[IamGCW]

Sarcoidosis is what got Bernie Mac.  There are many studies that link it to Military related exposure.  Joe that is a great write up and post.  Thank you.

Gil

[Thunderbolt]

What a great outcome.  Hope to meet you one day T-Bird. 

[DDT (12)]

Terry,

Congrats on achieving this milestone... You are an inspiration, amigo... proud to know ya!!!

DDT

[JimmyG]

Good post Joe,  God bless you T-Bird, hope to see you at the Fall ride.

[Skinhead]

Ol' T-Bird is a great guy, lots of fun, and a laugh a minute.  He tends to attract rain though, so choose your rides with him carefully.

Congratulations on the 10th Terry, I hope you have many more.

[Carolyn Schmidt]

Joe,

This is a great story. So glad you shared it with us. I knew T-Bird was a great guy, like all you guys are; seems he is extra special.

Take care,
Blessings,
Carolyn

[rainman]

I'll be making a toast to you at The Dragon Roundup 

+1

[wiggydotcom]

Awesome tribute, Joe. I've learned so much through the years here on the VRCC thanks to your posts. You're a genuine friend to many. I'm honored I got to meet you at Inzane this past summer.

And T-Bird, what a story. It sounds like you've been through a lot but have a renewed appreciation for what many of us take for granted. Congrats on your health and hope you're able to enjoy good health for a long time to come.

I've already signed up to be a donor. It's the least I could do.

[Karen]

Thanks for posting, to let all of us know how blessed and lucky we are. T-bird, congratulations on your anniversary, and on living your life to the fullest. Been an organ donor since it was first proposed, figured I wouldn't need those parts anymore & someone else could.

[Willow]

   There are a lot of us who are better off for Terry's being here.

[Coot]

Thumbs up!

Coot

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Great story I was unaware of, but have always enjoyed Terry's company. 

[Reb]

One hell of a guy. Only dude I know that would give you the shirt off his back, and possibly the underwear off his ass  . Clongrats on  a successful decade my good friend! Thanks for posting Joe!

[Skinhead]

One hell of a guy. Only dude I know that would give you the shirt off his back, and possibly the underwear granny panties off his ass   . Clongrats on  a successful decade my good friend! Thanks for posting Joe!

FIFY Reb

[Reb]

Thanks for the correction skin head 

[Flask]

    ONE OF A KIND 

Hope to be tipping the FLASK with you the next 10 Years My Friend 

See ya at the FCR !!!!!!!

[T-Bird]

 Little did I know 10 yrs ago I would be meeting some awesome people from all walks of life, and all over this beautiful country of ours, and then be calling them family. Besides my real family,  the VRCC has been a great place to keep me motivated to live another day.
It touches my heart, to read all the well wishes from you all, and especially the ones who have become organ donors so others can live on and tell their story.  "My hero is an organ donor" You too can be some ones hero just by being a organ donor.  I have a great appreciation for the donor family who acknowledged their loved ones last wish, in wanting to be an organ donor. Two days after I received my transplant, I found out my organ donor also saved 2 more lives that day one a liver transplant and one a kidney transplant. I was told his eyes were flown to Duke University for a blind man.  
                "Don't take your organs to heaven, heaven knows we need them here"

[Daniel Meyer]

Awesome. Here's to many more years in front of you!

[Serk]

It is true, of course, that organ donors are better livers... 

[Stanley Steamer]

I've had a donors card in my wallet for as long as I've been driving....I figure why have them cremate them if someone here can use them.....there's only ONE organ that's going to be too used up to pass on!!..... ...   .....

[Skinhead]

I've had a donors card in my wallet for as long as I've been driving....I figure why have them cremate them if someone here can use them.....there's only ONE organ that's going to be too used up to pass on!!..... ...   .....

Your mouth isn't an organ!

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

I've had a donors card in my wallet for as long as I've been driving....I figure why have them cremate them if someone here can use them.....there's only ONE organ that's going to be too used up to pass on!!..... ...   .....

Your mouth isn't an organ!

[thedon]

Joe, thanks for posting this.
Terry, many more years ahead. Congrates on 10. We still talk about both of you after meeting you at Inzane this summer. Had us rolling with laughter. Glad we could share some time together. Look forward to many more Inzanes with both of you!
Thedon & Barbo

[Stanley Steamer]

I've had a donors card in my wallet for as long as I've been driving....I figure why have them cremate them if someone here can use them.....there's only ONE organ that's going to be too used up to pass on!!..... ...   .....

Your mouth isn't an organ!

I knew if I baited my "hook"......a Yankee would bite!!!!.........

[fon1961]

 

[JimC]

TBIRD,

Just remember that when that guy inside your chest wants to go fishing, you better let him go fishing instead of doing chores around the house!

JimC

If you had the pleasure of tipping a few with TBIRD at Inzane this past summer you would understand that statement.

[Skinhead]

I've had a donors card in my wallet for as long as I've been driving....I figure why have them cremate them if someone here can use them.....there's only ONE organ that's going to be too used up to pass on!!..... ...   .....

Your mouth isn't an organ!

I knew if I baited my "hook"......a Yankee would bite!!!!.........

[cookiedough]

I think we all take for granted, I know I do,  when all is fine and dandy in life health wise and need to cheer up when things are feeling good since can always be worse.  Once you get sick or in your case near deadly sick,  it make you remember the times when you felt so good and appreciate a healthy life you use to have. 

So for all you down and outers (me included), smile more often when feeling good healthwise since it can alwasy be a lot worse.

[Disco]

It's great to see great things happen to great people.  I'm truly happy that you have had another 10 years to enjoy and spread merriment.  I hope you have a bunch more!

Now, what's this about

He tends to attract rain though, so choose your rides with him carefully.

13 July 2010, Lexington, KY, I believe, on the way to Bellaire.  5_19, HayHauler, me, Joe, and 2 Valks, with T-Bird on the camera   The wettest I've ever been while not scuba diving. 


Just a few hours later and almost all dried out, we found ourselves in Mexico.  Indiana, that is.