Rochester man remembers surgery

When David Beatson was 58, he was told he only had six months to live.  David's heart was too large and was crowding his lungs.  But then he got a call that changed his life.  Cardiologists at the medical center found him a new heart.  And they we're ready to transplant.  "This was something we had been praying for for a long time," said Beatson.

David says he was able to go home 10 days after the surgery.  His family noticed an instant change in him.  "You've got a new heart and your pumping blood to parts of your body you haven't for a long time.  And your color comes back," said Beatson.

David was one of the lucky ones.  But unfortunately there aren't enough hearts to go around.  For every successful transplant, there's another patient waiting.  David says this is why everyone who can should be an organ donor.  "It's passing on the miracle.  And it's the greatest gift you can give.  You've given somebody else a second chance in life," said Beatson.

David's about to celebrate his 66th birthday.  He says he's had no complications since his surgery.  He's even looking for a part time job.