URMC celebrates 25 years since its first heart transplant procedure

The University of Rochester Medicine is celebrating 25 years since its first heart transplant procedure.

Some 400 patients have received new hearts at Strong Memorial Hospital since 2001, thanks to the donors and medical teams who made it possible to truly give the gift of life.

Thomas Conroy received his precious gift when he was 22, allowing him to continue his college dreams and eventually create a family with his wife and two sons.

“I guess the best thing to say is that I don’t want to go through it again, and I think ultimately that’s going to be what will have to happen,” said Conroy, a heart transplant recipient. “So, I’m just enjoying not having to be here constantly, and you know it’s been a blessing to be able to only come once or twice a year.”

And after Friday’s celebration, the American Heart Association offered CPR and AED demonstrations.