Your fellow friend/colleague/community citizen Greg Wright is +6 years with a donor heart, and counting!

September 2, 2025

It has been a very long while since I last posted. I wanted you to know that I am doing very well over 5 1/2 years since transplant. All my biannual checkups at PennMed Perelman Center in Philadelphia have gone smoothly.I retired at the end of May, 2025 following a three-year stint as a part-time parts delivery driver for a consortium of four auto dealers. Most of my time has been spent caring for my wife, Vicki, who is recovering from stage 3 breast cancer, and for my elderly in-laws. When I do have free moments, I like to travel to historic points here in Pennsylvania. In July, I went to the Flight 93 and Johnstown Flood national memorials. My future plans are to visit the northern tier during fall foliage and the Valley Forge National Park.In 2026, I hope to visit upstate New York and western Massachusetts for a day at historic Saratoga Race Course and a classical concert at Tanglewood in the Berkshires.

October 31, 2020

Hello folks,

October 27 marked the eight-month milestone since transplant. I am pleased to report that 11 biopsies have resulted in either 0R or 1R readings. That means the donor heart is working well. No effusion. Normal size. Purring along.

However, the past two months have provided challenges. Namely, a severe GI infection that cropped up in late August. I was twice hospitalized at HUP for treatment. Thanks to the heart transplant team, my "insides" are back to acceptable levels due to a twice-daily iv solution thru a picc.

The infection was an outlier from a compromised or weakened immune system. What I initially thought was a bug was instead a serious issue. The lesson learned? If ANYTHING seems amiss, for whatever reason, contact the medical team IMMEDIATELY.

July 27, 2020

Hello friends, today marks five months since my transplant, and the donor heart has performed splendidly. 8/8 zero rejections plus 3/3 COVID-19 negative tests.

For yours truly, the hardest part during the pandemic is having patience and controlling emotions. Though I feel pretty much like my old self, I simply cannot do normal activities like grocery or clothes shopping. When I do go to order from restaurants or pick up orders at the local pharmacy, or go to the bank, all transactions are drive-thru. The lines can be longer than usual but it's all about being patient bc everyone else is in the same boat.

May we all pray that an effective vaccine will be developed soon to mitigate, if not eliminate, the deadly consequences of contracting this virus. As one who is co-morbid, I am especially careful to wear my mask in public, observe social distancing, and use hand sanitizer often. So far, so good.

I have another eight biopsies to go before I reach the transplant first anniversary on Feb. 27, 2021. The care received by the folks at the Penn Heart Transplant Clinic in Philadelphia continues to be outstanding. I would recommend Penn Medicine's cardiologists, surgeons, therapists and nurses to anyone in similar circumstances to my situation.

June 4, 2020

Hello friends,

Yesterday marked a special milestone...my 65th birthday. It has been both gratifying and humbling while joyful as well.

Four months ago, my prospects to reach my 65th birthday were growing slim. Thankfully, the transplant on 2/27 happened and it was the greatest gift of all. In two days, I will mark 100 days since transplant, and what a difference!

I am indebted to my family, friends and the many contributors who supported the campaign.

The process to full health continues, and each day is one to be cherished and never taken for granted.

Thank God from whom all blessings flow, and thank you kind folks again, and pls continue to be vigilant and stay safe.

May 9, 2020

Hello friends,

In the midst of the pandemic and the coldest May in a long time, I continue to make headway with my exercises that include 20-min walks w/o a cane or orher assistance. Early next week, I will get behind the wheel for the first time since late August, 2019.

Individual contributions to the campaign stopped the end of March, but I will look into virtual fundraising opportunities once the pandemic is hopefully history.

Meanwhile, approximately $1,600 in unpaid medical bills and incidental expenses have been paid thanks to your generous support.

Pls continue to stay the course, follow the expanded CDC guidelines and we will get through this. The pandemic has had a sobering effect with the confirmed positive cases and fatalities skyrocketing in several states.

I can't tell you enough about the importance of wearing a mask in public settings and maintaining a proper social distance profile of six feet or more. It can be a lifesaver for both yourself and your loved ones. And thoroughly wash your hands often! Also, use hand sanitizer! This is especially true for folks like me at higher risk due to a compromised immune system.

Pls take care and stay safe.

Happy Mother's Day!

April 16, 2020

Hi folks,

I am a whirling dervish these days...moving around home w/o cane, can do more household chores, staying on med/exercise daily routine. All good!

Fyi, I have submitted my first HHL fund request form this week, so the funds raised will now help pay for uninsured medical expenses..

With the pandemic ongoing, the HHL main office in Radnor is closed indefinitely; however, employees are working from home so it's business as usual. Future donations can be processed by credit card or E-check. Personal checks are in limbo w the Radnor headquarters closed. If you had submitted a personal check recently, it may take a while til it is processed so we ask your indulgence.

Take care,and stay safe! Thank you my friends!

April 7, 2020

Hello friends,

With continued therapy and exercise at home, I am gaining strength and can walk around well with or without a cane. And I can do light household duties. The conditioning part is very much a work in progress...it's a matter of slow but steady wins the race.

The family takes all precautions to keep myself and themselves safe in the midst of the pandemic. Pennsylvania is a stay-at-home state, and folks should wear masks when on errands. Always a good idea to have hand sanitizer at the ready.

This week, funds from the HHL campaign will be put to use to pay for uninsured medical and transportation expenses. In the meantime, it is important to remember that the campaign drive continues post-transplant. The aim is to elevate the total to $20k by mid-May, the six-month mark. We're close, folks...just over $3k to get there.

Pls reach out to people you know, direct them to this homepage and ask if they would consider a tax-deductible donation. My family and yours truly would appreciate your help. Thanks and stay safe!

April 3, 2020

Hello friends,

One week home and I continue to get stronger thanks to exercise regimen. That includes walks in the house, climbing stairs, rising from bed and chairs, showering...all good. So are my vitals.

As a friendly reminder, pls let your friends and colleagues know about my story, direct them to this homepage and ask them to consider a tax-deductible campaign contribution.

Pls take care of yourself and your loved ones. Together we will pull through this nationwide health crisis.

Thank you to all HHL contributors!

March 31, 2020

Hi, An update...3/30 biopsy and echo results all good! 70-75 EF! On home PT and OT regimen.

I wanted to give a special shout out to recent HHL campaign contributors Dr. Dan Audette, Leo Payne, Marge and Dick Trout, State Sen Scott Martin, Marsha Davis, Jim Brewer, Steve McCloskey (aka Mr. Baseball), and the pride of Kittery, Joe Fimple. Thank you for your generous support. Total approaching $17k.

To all, pls be safe, follow the CDC guidelines and yes, offer prayers to the victims and families affected most by this tragic pandemic.

March 27, 2020

My friends,

TODAY IS THE DAY! I am headed home after 52 days combined between HUP and Good Shepherd rehab. The progress made one month to the day since transplant has been remarkable. The entire PennMed team deserves a huge shout out for their professionalism, care, and kindness every step of the way.

And to you, my campaign contributors, heartfelt thanks and appreciation for your support and generosity on my family's behalf. Pls pass the word to your friends, neighbors and colleagues about my story, any donation regardless of the amount is appreciated, especially now bc I will have medical and Rx expenses due on the horizon.

Help Hope Live also accepts contributions via E-checks for your convenience.

The power of prayer and modern medicine plus positivity equaled a successful outcome!

I am humbled and blessed.

March 26, 2020

Hello all,

As I jot this note, only 38 hours to go until I am discharged from Good Shepherd rehab center and will be home for the first time since Feb. 5 -- 52 days combined between HUP (43) and GS (9).

It has been a positive experience. PT and OT have improved my mobility, coordination and strength/conditioning. I will continue on a modified exercise regimen when home.

This past Monday, Lancaster Newspapers published a follow-up story on my transplant and subsequent recovery. Thursday marks my fourth week with this special gift of life. All indicators are nominal w the donor heart. It was quite a road taken prior to surgery, and I cannot wait to see where the post-op road will go. I know my med regimen will be observed strictly.

Friday at 11 am. Zero hour to going home!

March 22, 2020

Hello friends,

Today 3/22 is a rest day from therapy. Over three days prior, PT and OT therapists have guided me in a vigorous strength and conditioning regimen. Each daily session is 90 minutes and the exercises are designed to build up my leg, hip and back muscles, plus support to improve arm, wrist and hand function.

Today I am reopening the HHL campaign, with awareness and sensitivity to the current global pandemic. If you or folks you know can contribute, even given the circumstances Americans are dealing with the C-19 crisis, I would be humbly appreciative and grateful.

With rehab center discharge for home scheduled March 27, non-insurance medical and transportation expenses will be paid from accrued campaign funds.

Thank you, as always, for your support, prayers and encouragement.

March 19, 2020

Hello friends,

My discharge from HUP after six weeks happened March 18. Today is my first full day of OT and PT at Good Shepherd rehab center here in Philly. Expected stay between 7-10 days. Here I will work to strengthen legs and successfully climb stairs.

Nice accommodations and friendly, helpful staff. A splendid view of Center City out my window.

And, for the first time in more than six months, I showered!

March 17, 2020

Hello friends,

My discharge from HUP after six weeks' hospitalization is finally at hand.

A second biopsy on March 16 indicated zero rejection! If an echo shows no problems, I could be headed to a nearby rehab facility March 18 to begin 7-to-10 days of increased therapy.

I could be home before the end of March, thank goodness!

March 12, 2020

Hello all,

I underwent a successful procedure today (pericardio window) to drain all remaining fluid and residual blood from the heart cavity to further enhance good health henceforth for the donor heart. Already, one liter has been drained. I had a vigorous walk around the ward this afternoon.

Biopsy scheduled for March 16. If all goes well, I may be transferred to Good Shepherd rehab center in Philly mid-week for an expected two-week stay.

March 11, 2020

Hello friends,

On March 10, I had a brief yet important procedure to assist my recovery. Called pericardiocentesis, it drained the sac surrounding the heart of fluid that had accumulated for a long time pre-op, 1.6.liters. Now I am feeling much better.

If all goes well with 2nd biopsy Thursday and no other issues, I may be transferred to nearby rehab facility next week for approx 2 wks, then discharge home early-mid April. Pls continue to hold me and family in prayer.

Contributions are gratefully accepted to my Help Hope Live campaign. This is especially important now that I am in the post-op process. A shoutout to my many SID colleagues...if you haven't yet given, please consider a donation starting at $25.

Thank you all very much for your kind and continuous support.

March 5, 2020

Hello friends,

Today marks a milestone or two. It is the one-week anniversary from successful transplant surgery, also one month of hospitalization at HUP.

While I am recovering, the hard part begins -- to rebuild my strength and stamina and to acclimate to the immunosuppressants I will take daily the rest of my life to ward rejection and infection of the donor heart.

The procedure, performed on Feb. 27, culminated a lengthy process to receive a donor match. It was a great moment when I was informed of the match and that the necessary factors and indicators were nominal.

I have since lowered my HHL campaign goal to $30k, as it is more realistic. Even though the donor heart is functioning, I have many biopsies and rehab trips ahead. Please consider making a contribution to help my family and me raise funds not covered by Medicare or private insurance.

By lowering the goal, it is now near the halfway point.

Thanks to those who have contributed to the cause to this point. And I am blessed and grateful to be alive every day forward. The HUP medical team is incredibly professional!

February 26, 2020

My friends, T-time is imminent! A potential donor match has been identified. Once my surgeon checks off all factors and indicators for compatibility, he and the donor match will return immediately to HUP for surgery. I will be prepped and ready to go. Procedure likely overnight (2/27).

Pls continue to hold me and family in prayer as this momentous event draws closer. Praise be to God!

See you on the other side! Thank you for your kind support! Onward and forward!

February 21, 2020

Hello folks,

I remain a patient with patience at HUP, awaiting the call to transplant.

Of note, with the impending addition of funds from the 2/1 Millersville hoops fundraiser, the overall total will exceed $13,600 for the opening two months of the campaign. Great stuff!

Also, the campaign just surpassed the 100-contributor mark. My heartfelt thanks to all who have supported in this venture...your generosity and kindness has been appreciated by my family and me.

Please pass this on to a friend or colleague if he/she would consider donating to the cause. Thank you!

February 17, 2020

Hello friends,

I am resting well at HUP, and with four catheters coursing through my body, I am tethered to my bed here. The next time I leave this room will be when I get the call and am prepped for transplant surgery.

Now that my waitlist status has been elevated to 2, it may be weeks, or even days, until a donor match is found.

In the meantime, the medical team at PennMed has been great to work with. The cardiologists and nurses are taking every precaution to ensure that my "old ticker " will endure to the tbd transplant date.

I have no fear or apprehension. This next step is necessary to save, extend, and improve the quality of my life. Should I "break on through to the other side," and I remain optimistic, a new and equally challenging chapter will begin post-op.

Your cards and comments, and your contributions to my Help Hope Live campaign, have helped buoy my spirits. The goal is to survive and recover so I can be on hand for special events in my family's lives, and to be with respected friends and colleagues.

For the present, I shall stay the course for a positive outcome!

I humbly thank you.

February 10, 2020

Hi all,

I am receiving the best of cardiac care at HUP. My numbers have trended upward since the balloon pump insert February 8.

I apologize if you do not receive a thank you note or email since my hospitalization, but rest assured I appreciate your campaign support.

Onward and upward!

February 9, 2020

Hello friends, the curve to transplant has accelerated in recent days after two key procedures at PennMed (right heart cath and aortic balloon pump installation).

I received such a boost from my supportive and beloved family. Vicki, Megan, Jess, my Mom (Bev), my sister (Karen) and my church pastor (Rev. Jim Haun) were all with me today. Love you all!

My transplant waitlist status, in large part because of the procedures performed this weekend by the HUP medical team, moved up two notches. Hence, transplant may be weeks instead of months away.

I appreciate all your prayers and encouragement.

February 2, 2020

I want to thank Millersville University Athletics for hosting a successful basketball fundraiser at Pucillo Gymnasium on February 1.

Patrons contributed more than $1,700 to support my Help Hope Live campaign. Even better was the outpouring of best wishes from friends and associates I hadn't seen in years. My family was appreciative and grateful for the generosity and hospitality MU displayed.

The Student Memorial Center will have HHL wristbands, donor cards and literature available at the ticket office.

January 31, 2020

As of the end of January 2020, more than $9,200 has been raised in only six weeks! That is an impressive average of over $1,500 per week.

What an outstanding start! With humility and gratitude, I thank you who have contributed at this point. I reiterate -- please tell a friend or two and invite them to join the campaign. Please share the importance of organ donation for transplant and research.

January 18, 2020

January 18 marks the one-month mark since my HHL campaign was launched, with nearly $6,800 raised and 13.6% of the goal met. A heartfelt thank you to all who have contributed!!! Tell a friend or two and invite them to join the cause!

December 31, 2019

$2,030 raised by the start of 2020! Thank you very much for your December 2019 campaign contributions!

As of 12/24/19, I was placed on the national transplant waitlist. 2020 will be momentous. Happy New Year!