I was born David Frank Hilton in (Washington Township)
now Kansas City, Missouri, October 1, 1936. 
I Went through grade and high school in and around the 
vicinity of Kansas City, and Hickman Mills, Missouri.
I served  in the United States Marine Corps and was 
discharged with the rank of Sergeant.  I Have 
been married now three times, the last one of 41 years. I have seven 
children, three by from my former marriage, and four with my ex-
wife Nancy. Combined I have 18 grandchildren, and 11 great grand-
children,  
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After 41 years of marriage, it ended in
seperation and divorce. On May 6, 2006
I married my childhood sweetheart I dated 
53 ago.
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I guess this all actually started in the early '70's, and in August 1978. 
I felt a little discomfort in my chest and down the inside of my left arm 
while helping a friend of mine clear a fence line for firewood. After 
conferring with Doctor George Garber, he said that I was just pushing 
myself to hard as usual. But upon an exam at the Mayo Clinic on April 
26, 1979, the cardiologist Dr.Carlos Harrison said that I may have 
had a slight heart attack. Upon further examination, it was confirmed,
and that I had a severe  angina, that was according to doctors was 
probably caused by the my heavy smoking (3-1/2 packs of Camels) 
a day, and my diet, and that surgery would be the only answer to this 
on going problem.

 
I was to check in at St. Marys Hospital, in Rochester, MN. on May 9, 
1979. Surgery was scheduled for 8:00am May 10th. I remember this 
as a very different experience, It was as if I was watching the surgery. 
Everything was white, and the very bright. I could hear voices in the 
distance, but was hard to understand just what was said. This was to 
be a double bypass operation of the left anterior artery decending 
and diagonal arteries. I was released from St. Marys Hospital on May 
17th 1979.  

            
The following four months were used for recouperation and rehibilation. 
I was very anxious to get back to work, I was getting very bored sitting 
around. According to the mayo clinic report, I could have went back to 
work in six weeks, but Dr. Garber elected to keep me from working for 
four months. My health improved very rapidly, so I did not listen to all 
of the warnings about diet etc. Having been a heavy smoker for years, 
I started to smoke again after 13 months. At this time I was warned 
about the hazards again, at which I paid no attention. I quit again in 
1981 for good. In the late 80's my chest pains started to return and 
became more frequent with the slightest exertion. In 1979, I was told by 
Dr. Pluth, and the staff at Mayo Clinic, that there was nothing else that 
could be done, that my heart was that of a seventy year old, and I 
believed them and ignored the pain. Only on a few occasions would I 
see Dr. Andrew Edin in Winona about this. He ordered a stress test, 
using die and computer. This showed some deteriation, and he put 
me on medication for this, and for my high cholesterol. 


In October and November 1993, the pain was getting so severe I could 
no longer tolerate it. As a rule, I have a very high level of pain endurance. 
This went far beyond any pain that I have ever endured. I was taking 
ten to twelve double shots of areosol nitro a day. This accelerated the 
pain ten times before it would finally ease the pain. I finally made the
appointment to see Dr. Andrew Edin. After a brief exam, 
what he said next, put me back on my heels."see a cardiologist or die",  
it's that simple. A week later, I went to see Dr. Dennis Nolan   
 another doctor at the Winona Clinic, and got the same reply.

On December 7th, I met with Dr. A. Daniel Harbin,  a staff cardiologist 
at Gunderson Clinic/Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin. At the end 
of our meeting, he wanted me to enter the hospital that evening. I told him 
that I had some business to attend to that evening and that I would check
in the next morning. December 8th, at 07:00 I checked in at Lutheran Hospital 
for a heart catherization. After the catherization, I was placed in the CCU unit 
to await the results of the tests.  Dr. Harbin  reviewed the tests, and he 
insisted that I remain in the hospital to have another by-pass operation. 

We scheduled the surgery for the afternoon of the 9th, which was later 
changed to the 10th, because of complications with a patient in surgery.  
Later in the evening of the 8th, I was experiencing some chest discomfort. 
I asked the nurse for a nitro tablet to ease the pain. A few minutes later Dr. 
Harbin, arrived to see what the problem was. After checking me over, 
they put me back on an IV nitro drip. Dr. Harbin  
 then suggested that I have a balloon pump placed in my aorta, to take some 
of work load off the heart and help it keep up with the demands that my body 
needed, even at rest

 
December 10th started off with routine surgery, a quadruple bypass, but 
then a few problems arose. A small tear in the wall of the heart. They 
could not get the bleeding to stop, so the chest cavity was left open until 
the next morning (11th) when the chest cavity was closed. Also at the same 
time, the balloon pump was removed from the aorta. After having a bout 
with medication reaction, I was released from the hospital on the 16th. 
That night was one that I will never forget. Everytime I would try to go to 
sleep, the same thing would appear, I would see beautiful green fields, and 
lush green trees. The most beautiful thing I had ever seen. And as I was 
about to fall into what I though was sleep, I would be shocked by the 
appearence of barron waste lands, that looked like burnt tree trunks and 
faceless people who would always turn and walk away from me. I remem-
ber trying so very hard to make out who these people were, but their faces 
were not visible.  This was kind of scary. 
The next day December 17th, my wife and daughter rushed me back to 
the Trauma Unit at Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse, WI. I was diagnosed as 
having double pneumonia and conjestive heart failure, and was placed in 
the Coronary Care Unit again. Once in the unit they began injecting medi-
cation in the IV line to get the fluid off my lungs, and out of my system. 
In a little less than two hours, about three quarts of fluids were expelled. 


After 48 hours with no rest, I was sedated so I could finally get some rest. 
The next day (18th), I was once again starting to recover from two major 
illnesses within a week. On the 22nd, I was once again released from the 
hospital to continue my recovery at home. After about a week, I was starting 
to feel a little more like living. The following weeks were filled with rest 
and relaxation. I tried to get my system over the bout with pneumonia, 
and heart failure. ( I would find out later that I was given less than a 15% 
chance of living). I was back to work in 17 days after the surgey December 
the 27th I was sitting at my desk at the office with my feet up and working 
part time to keep in touch things. This was my demise. By not listening to 
the doctor,I put my health in further jeopardy. The  six weeks went as well 
as could be expected. 


On February 17,1994, I was having chest pains again. I made an appoint-
ment with Dr Harbin   he prescribed another stress 
test for me, which to say the least wasn't very good. He increased my 
medication (doubled the dose).  This seemed to work for about three weeks. 
On March 14,1994 the doctor ordered another treadmill. This one I failed 
badly. On March 17,1994 I underwent another catherizatin, and this one 
revealed that the left side of the heart was deteriating at a rapid pace. While
lying at rest afterwards, Dr Harbin   the came to the room to talk to my ex-wife 
(Nancy) and myself about transplant.  At this time, being upset because of the 
operation I had just gone through, I was not very receptive to the idea. Nancy 
and I returned home that afternoon not saying to much to each other. Later on 
that evening, I asked her what she thought of the Idea. At this she responded,
" you have went this far why not talk to the doctor a little more." On March 
24th, I made an appointment to see the doctor. Upon his entry to the room. 
I said "Get the ball rolling, lets go for transplant". This took him totaly by 
surprise, because the week before I was not so receptive to the idea. He 
said he would make the phone call and send the paper work to the Uiversity 
of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics 
 to get the proccess started.  In about two weeks, I received the appointment 
to the Clinic for my three days of tests to evaluate my physical condition; and 
to check the severity of the damage to the heart. On April 28, 1994, the order 
was written to list me upon insurance approval. 
On May 28, 1994 I was placed on the National waiting list. 
Dr. Robert Mentzer, the head of the cardiopulmanry transplant 
department said the wait could be a week, a month, or even a year. After having 
a lot of discomfort in June, I waited to see Dr. Mentzer   on July 7, 1994. 
At this time I asked him if he thought it might be alright if I played golf 
while I waited. To this he replied, " I would rather see you play one hole 
for nine days, than for you to play nine holes in one day, because you 
body will not recover quick enough". On the 29th of July, my partner 
and myself played nine holes, and on the 30, I was in the CCU of Lutheran 
Hospital. On August 2, 1994 I was transfered to the U of W Hospital by 
ambulance, and placed in intensive care there. 

Upon my arrival there, I was greeted by Donna a RN, and Dr. Sharon 
Weber.  
This doctor was unbelievably, precise, nice, and very pretty. 
Once the official paperwork was completed, she went to work on me. 
The first thing was to insert what is a called a swan.  This procedure 
is done by placing a cathetor in the vein on the right side of the neck. 
Then they measure the heart pressures to see the condition of the heart, 
and to measure the amount of oxygen entering the heart through the lungs. 


On my second day in intensive care Karen, one of the nurses came into 
my room to inform me that they may have found a Donor.  About three 
hours later, Debbie Welter one of the transplant coordinators, came to 
inform me that the heart would be a risk, so I would still have to wait a 
while longer. On  August, 5th I was moved from the ICU unit to room D4\
514 of the cardiac floor. Along with me came an IV pole with three IV 
bags.The nitro drip had already been increased to .06mgh from .04mgh. 
On the 7th, the nitro had to be increased to .08mgh, because of the excess 
work my heart had to do, especially to digest food after eating. On Friday 
August the 12th, Luisa would inform me of a chance at a heart.  After 
being prepared for surgery once again, Dr. Charles Canver  came to inform 
me, this heart was not right.  So the real wait begins. The only thing about 
waiting, is having to be hooked up to two or three IV drips twenty-four 
hours a day. But I guess this is better than the alternative. On the 20th I 
was put on another IV drip called Millirone (something like that) to streng-
then the heart. So now to keep the spirits up, and the body in the best 
shape possible, Nancy and I spent lots of time walking, chatting with new 
patients and others like myself waiting for transplants or just having 
theirs. 
This would be the daily routine until the morning of the 28th of August. 
At  12:15 pm, August 28th 1994. Dr. Weber  came to inform me 
that a Donor had been found, and that the heart was what they thought 
would be a perfect match. My reply was, how sure were they, and she 
said ninety-nine percent. I said let's get ready. At 15:45 I was wheeled 
to the operating room, and the preparations were started. At 16:50 I felt 
the drug putting me under, so I said goodnight. The next thing I remem-
ber is waking up very cold, and shaking and .bouncing around violently. 
At 22:30 I was back up stairs in the Intensive Care Unit. On August 30th 
I was out of intensive care, and on the road to recovery with a new heart 
and a new lease on life, thanks to the efforts of the coordinators, surgeons, 
doctors, nurses, and the staff of D4\5 and D4\5C. And  to them I owe 
my very existance, and without the Lazarskis, I would not be writing this.  
This is Dedicated to The Lazarski family,  and to all the doctors, nurses, 
coordinators, unit controllers, the nurses aids, and the surgery staff they 
are as follows.  Mary Michalski R.N., Debbie Welter R.N., and Ann Marie 
Hoffman R.N. With Tina Brantmeyer,Transplant Secretary , Dr. Robert 
Mentzer (performed the transplant operation), Dr.Charles Canver, 
Dr. Robert Love,  Dr. Sharon Weber, Dr. Paul Chomiak, Dr. Nick Armstrong, 
Dr Sklow, Dr. Jim Stringham (assisted in my transplant), Dr.Tracy Dorheim, 
Dr. Mcvey, and Dr. Charles Heise... Unit coordnators Virginia, Carol,and Tony. 
Nursing staff,  Cara, Craig, Julie, Gordy, Wanda, Lee, Fernando,Becky, Randy, 
Karen, Brenda, Candy, Cyndi, Marilyn, Janelle, Luisa, Terri, Susie, Tracy, 
Joan, and Kirsten, Bill, Cindy, Elliot, Lucy, Carol, Amy, Deb, Mary, Sandy, 
and Julie. 


All of the Staff named above, made my two month stay at the University 
of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, an enjoyable one. These people exceed 
excellence.  And with personal in the Intensive care unit like Karen, Chrissie,
 Chuck, and Mary Beth,  just to name a few. The care is excellent. 


Also to the Docters and Nurses of LaCrosse Lutheran Hospital. Especially 
Dr. A. Daniel Harbin, and his team of Cardioligsts. 


In memory of John Palmer 45, heart transplant of four months, passed 
away a week before Thanksgiving 1994, in the Intensive Care Unit from 
infection. To Bill H. 58, heart transplant of three years, passed away in 
Sept.1995  from infection and kidney failure. And little Susie 31, A double 
lung transplant, just plain gave into the pain,  passed away January 1995 
after four months.  Transplants are not a sure thing. Some are just more 
fortunate than others. It has been six months for me now, and I feel like 
I am one of the very fortunate ones. God has surely Blessed Me.
  
David F. Hilton Sr. 
Winona, MN.
  
(note)
On May 8, 1995 
My name was legally changed from David F. Hilton Sr, to David Craig 
Hilton in honor my Donor, Craig R Lazarski, who's life was taken from 
him to save my life. I felt I should keep his name alive along with his heart 
that is keeping me alive. At the hearing were Roger and Linda Lazarski, 
Craigs mother and father, Jenny Lazarski, Craig's sister, uncles, aunts, 
and cousins, My wife and Daughters. 
The Honorable Margret Shaw Johnson of Winona County Court heard and 
approved the name change petition with the permission of the Lazarski 
family.
 
August 29, 1999
 
It has been five years now since transplant, and other than a mild rejection  
in May of 1995, it has been a great and wonderful recovery. Other than 
the few side effects I've had from medications life is back to normal. 
Playing golf enjoying life, and doing everything that I could do years before 
becoming to ill to do. The side effects from the steroids are taking their toll
on my body, such as joint deteriation, cataracs etc. But Lifeis still beautiful,
and I live every day to the fullest. Because to those of us who have had the 
good fortune to survive, each day is free, a day we would not of had 
otherwise.

In Late 2005 

I called Elaine Russell, Transplant Coordinator 
at Mid-America Cardiology at KU Medical Center. I asked her
if I could change my care there from the VAMC in Kansas City, Missouri.
I made the appointment and discovered what a fantastic place this
would be for my medical needs. Dr's Charles Porter, Randal Genton, 
Michael Gorton, and Peter Tadros all are top notch Cardiologists in 
their fields.



August 29, 2007

Yesterday was my thirteenth anniversary of my transplant. In 1994 who
could have expected to have lived this long. I know now, that if we follow
the doctors suggestions, keep medications on schedule, we can be
very fortunate.
I know I have been blessed with life three times over and I still marvel
at the way things are. 
I do know a positive attitude is the greatest feeling I have. Without it I
shudder to think where I may have been.

I am still very deeply indebted to the Lazarski family for the chance to have 
a new life, and now to watch my youngest grandchildren grow. It has meant 
so much to me and there will  never be a way to repay these loving people. 

Anyone reading this page who ever had any doubts of donating organs or 
having a transplant, should see that organ donation, and transplantation 
does work. Maybe not for all, but in at least the most. This is not 
a sure thing, but what  in life is?

   
TO THOSE OF US THAT HAVE BEEN THROUGH THE 
TRANSPLANT OPERATION,  TO THE PATIENTS THAT ARE
WAITING, AND THE ONES THAT ARE JUST GOING INTO 
THEIRS. THE FOLLOWING IS A SAYING THAT I HAVE HAD 
FOR MANY YEARS. TO ME THIS IS WHAT IT IS REALLY ALL
ABOUT. WITH THE DONOR PROGRAM AND FAITH IN GOD, 
WE ARE A CHOSEN FEW.
ALWAYS THINK POSITIVE, KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE NO 
MATTER HOW ADVERSE THE CONDITIONS. LIFE CAN BE VERY 
CRUEL AND MEAN, BUT WE HAVE TO GET A FIRM GRIP ON 
ADVERSITY AND BEAT IT. A POSITIVE ATTITUDE BREEDS 
POSITIVE THINGS, A NEGATIVE ATTITUDE BRINGS PAIN AND 
FEAR. IN OUR POSITION THERE IS NO ROOM FORNEGATIVE 
THOUGHTS. KEEP THE FAITH MY FRIENDS AND NOTHING BUT 
GOOD WILL HAPPEN.

Written 1994 by
David Frank Hilton Sr.
Winona, Minnesota
Heart Transplant August 28, 1994

 

 
My Thoughts on Donor Family & Recipient Relationships




Dr. Robert Mentzer Jr
Dr Mentzer was my heart transplant surgeon
at the University of  Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, in 
Madison WI. And has since transferred to the University of 
Kentucky. The fellow who assisted in the surgery
was Dr. Jim Stringham (inset) has also started practice elswhere.



Craig Roger Lazarski
  

December 2, 1975 - August 28, 1994




 

My Donor Family  Jenny Lazarski, Myself, Linda 
and Roger Lazarski





May 8, 1995: The Day I changed my Middle Name




 
 
 David F Hilton©Copyright 1995-2007


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