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Glen Gondezrick is recuperating in the intensive care unit at UCLA Medical Center after undergoing a six-hour heart-transplant surgery today.
The UNLV basketball legend is on a ventilator, but that is common after such a procedure. Doctors said there were no complications.
"So far, so good," said Tammy Wadkins, Gondo's close friend.
Gondrezick went into the operating room at 10:30 a.m., and received the heart about 1:15 p.m. Wadkins said she expected to see Gondrezick later tonight.
***
Usually, when the phone rings at 12:15 a.m. at my house, it's bad news.
Not this time.
"Ron -- they found a heart."
It was Glen Gondrezick calling.
A donor heart apparently has been located for the UNLV basketball legend who so badly needs a transplant.
Gondrezick was put at the top of the donor waiting list 174 days ago. Earlier this week, he seemed on the verge of giving up. He was frustrated and demoralized and his condition was worsening.
Now, there's hope. Lots of hope.
I asked Gondo how he was feeling (excited and nervous) and when he was leaving for UCLA Medical Center. He said "Right now."
I wished him luck. I don't even know if he heard me.
He promised he'd have those close to him keep me informed.
As soon as I hear something, you will.
Congratulations Gondo! I hope this is the "one".
At least this time if you're ripping through the desert at warp speed it'll be at night.. less traffic and less cops! ha ha
We are thinking of you, Gondo!
Fantastic news! Best of luck to Gondo.
You are in our prayers Gondo. I hope this is not another false alarm.
Get well Gondo!
We will be praying for you from Florida. We hope all goes well. This is great news.
They didn't "find" a heart. Someone young enough and healthy enough to have a transplantable heart died a young and tragic death. I am glad the donor's family made his organs available but the headline here is horrible. What lack of respect. Somber thanks to the family is appropriate, but glee? Disgusting.
Yes, Neiman, let's all be somber that Gondo's slow death has been averted. Get a grip.
Someone may have died, but they were fated to do so anyway. Gondo lived. They found a heart. That's great, great news.
Neiman....the whole essence of donating a heart is to save a life. I don't see anything wrong or anything disrespectful about celebrating this gift. That said, you're right in one sense, all those that care about Gondo need to thank this anonymous, but caring individual that allowed this day to happen.