A Valentine's Day Heart Transplant For This Long Branch Man

LONG BRANCH, NJ — Every year, Valentine's Day is especially significant for Ronald Trout, who was born, raised and still lives in Long Branch to this day.

That's because it was on Feb. 14 five years ago that he received the heart transplant that saved his life.

Trout, 65, says he thanks his heart donor every single morning he wakes up — not just on Feb. 14.

“When I wake up each day, I immediately give a special heartfelt thanks to my heart donor and his family ... for giving me a second chance to live life to its fullest and enjoy more time with my family and friends,” he said.

Those who know Trout know his easy-going, peaceful nature. One of his hobbies is writing music and poetry, and he doesn't dwell on his health issues.

Unfortunately in 2012, Trout experienced a serious heart attack that nearly ended his life. He underwent quadruple bypass surgery, and a pacemaker was inserted. However, Trout's heart continued to deteriorate and in 2018, he was added to the heart transplant waiting list.

“I was losing hope, but I had a dream where a beautiful voice said, ‘It’s not your time to go yet, Ronnie. I want you to keep hanging in there.’ Those words helped give me the strength to keep going,” he shared.

Shortly after his dream, Ronald received "the call" from Newark Beth Israel Medical Center that a donated heart was ready for him. Perhaps poetically, Ronald’s successful heart transplant was performed on February 14, 2019, which is not just Valentine’s Day but also National Donor Day, to encourage people to learn more about the gift of organ transplant.

Trout's heart transplant was done at Newark Beth Israel.

Since his transplant, Trout has been passionate about advocating for NJ Sharing Network, the nonprofit organization responsible for the recovery of donated organs and tissue in New Jersey.

He shares his story with others to encourage more people to register as organ and tissue donors. He also gives hope to those waiting for the gift of life by sharing some thoughts expressed in his poems, including: “It’s best to laugh, but okay to cry” and “Chant, pray, sing the night away. Whatever helps you through to another day.”

According to United Network for Organ Sharing, there are over 100,000 Americans – nearly 4,000 of whom live in New Jersey – waiting for a life-saving transplant. To learn more, get involved, and join the National Donate Life Registry as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.