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COMMENTARY

Cancer believed culprit in notable heart transplant recipient’s death

Tony Huesman, who was nearing the 31st anniversary of living with the same transplanted heart, talks with friends last year at the 13th annual Heart Gala at Sinclair Community College. Huelsman passed away Sunday, Aug. 9.

Staff photo by Jan Underwood Tony Huesman, who was nearing the 31st anniversary of living with the same transplanted heart, talks with friends last year at the 13th annual Heart Gala at Sinclair Community College. Huelsman passed away Sunday, Aug. 9.

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By Dale Huffman, Staff Writer Updated 1:07 AM Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Tony Huesman, a Washington Twp. man who held the world record for living with the same transplanted heart for the longest amount of time in medical history, died Sunday, Aug. 9, at 10 p.m.

According to his wife, Carol, he died from melanoma, a form of skin cancer.

“Tony was disappointed that he had lived so long with the transplanted heart only to find out that it was cancer which seemed to be taking his life,” she said. “Tony was so pleased that his heart held out, but found it difficult to accept when doctors told him it appeared cancer was taking his life.”

She said it was a very difficult summer for Tony, who had been in and out of the hospital.

“He fought the good fight, and tried very hard to win each battle at a time,” Carol said. “We don’t have the death certificate yet, but it appears that he was doing fine with his transplanted heart, only to be taken down by cancer at age 51.”

Mr. Huesman was nearing the 31st anniversary of living with a transplanted heart. He received it from an anonymous donor on Aug. 30, 1978, at Stanford University Medical Center in California.

He once said he often wondered who donated the heart that helped him function for the last three decades.

“I was told the donor was an 18-year-old man and he died in a motorcycle accident,” Huesman once said. “I have wondered about him all my life. I would have really liked to have a chance to thank his relatives for this gift of life. But the donor never came forward.”

Mr. Huesman, who was employed by Tuffy Brooks sportings goods store, was married to Carol in 1997. With her assistance and with the help of friends, they founded and ran the Huesman Heart Foundation.

As president of the foundation, Mr. Huesman made frequent public appearances at community and school functions in which he discussed heart safety. The foundation has printed a number of “Heart Smart” booklets for elementary-age school children, and provided them free to all area students.

Thousands of students met Mr. Huesman when he visited various schools over the years.

Mr. Huesman was a graduate of Alter High School in Kettering.

Mr. Huesman, his family and friends sponsored the Huesman Heart Open charity golf tournament each year to support the foundation’s good works, and just completed the 31st annual tournament.

According to Carol, the tournament and the traditions started by the Huesman Foundation will continue and will be dedicated to her husband’s memory.

Viewing for Mr. Huesman will be 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12,  at Westbrock Funeral Home, 5980 Bigger Road.

A service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Charles Borromeo, 4500 Ackerman Blvd., Kettering.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Huesman also is survived by his father, Rob Huesman, of Washington Twp.

Many years ago, not long after his transplant, Tony Huesman wrote these moving words: “It doesn’t really matter how we die, when we die, or why we die. What really matters, though, is how we live in the hearts and souls of those we touch along the way.”

Contact Dale Huffman at dhuffman@DaytonDailyNews.com or write to him at 1611 S. Main St. Dayton, OH 45409. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937) 225-2272. Blog: www.DaytonDailyNews/go/fromtheheart.

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I never knew of Tony until today when I searched for the longest living heart transplant recipient. I am also a recipient of almost 23 years, also from Stanford. I was very moved by his story and all the good that came from his second chance at life. It makes me feel like I can achieve anything. My prayers are with his family.

Karen Pierce
7:00 PM, 8/12/2009

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I never heard about Tony until today. I am just moved by his story and the good that he has done with his life. I am also looking at his like as a sign of hope. You see my husband also has had a heart transplant. He has just had his 13th anniversary of the surgery. His reason for transplant was similar,infection to the heart muscle. Tony's story gives me hope that my husband has the possibility to attain the longevity that Tony did. Thank you for sharing. I send my sincere sympathy to his wife.

Chris
6:59 PM, 8/11/2009

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Tony exemplified the good that comes from organ donation. He honored his second chance at life by making a real difference in the lives of others. Our community is enriched because of him. I'll always remember Tony's cheerful voice on the phone calling to say "Cathi- I have an opportunity to promote organ donation..." Although he never met his donor's family, he thanked them each day through his caring spirit and good works. He will be missed. My thoughts are with his loving family and friends.

Cathi Arends
1:11 PM, 8/11/2009

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My coach said our sponsor was here and he wanted to take a team photo(Huesman Heart Foudation). So we did and we thanked Mr.Huesman for supporting our team. That same day we had a game against one of the tougher teams, and the coach told us like always to do our best. We played extra hard that day and won. The insperation Mr.Huesman gave was astounding. I never personally knew Mr.Huesman but from this report he seemed like an amazing guy and lived a full life. He is a great role model for all.

Ashley Fish
1:03 PM, 8/11/2009

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Tony proved the doctors wrong when they told him that his heart may last only 5 to 10 years. He did a tremendous work during the last 30 years. He touched so many people's lives. It was an honor to meet him and be in his Tender Hearts Support Group. Tony was a living miracle whose smile brightened those with whom he met.

Melinda Beilharz
1:52 AM, 8/11/2009

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