Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Tools’ brief fight was truly heroic

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Dec. 6, 2001 | 8:32 a.m.

The courageous man, who died last week, was the first person to receive a fully self-contained, artificial heart. He lived 151 days with the device planted in his chest. He was 59.

Tools suffered from congestive heart failure, diabetes and kidney disease with little chance of survival past 30 days. His doctor knew of research that was going on in Louisville, Ky., on a device called AlicoCor hearts.

After serious discussion, Tools opted for experimental surgery and the implantation of the artificial heart.

Tools had a choice -- to die in 30 days or take a chance. He chose the latter, hoping to prolong his life and advance medical science.

Across the country many silent prayers were offered on his behalf.

During his final days Tools had good times and bad, but he greeted each day with a courageous smile.

"I realize death is inevitable," he said, "but if there's an opportunity to extend it, you take it."

By lengthening his own life, Tools gave doctors an opportunity study the complications as well as potentials of the artificial heart. His death, according to his doctors, was due to organ failure and internal bleeding and had nothing to do with the implantation.

Dr. Robert Dowling, one of the doctors who performed the surgery, said: "Mr. Tools and his family members are heroes. Their willingness to be the first to participate in the AliCor clinical trial could potentially pave the way for a revolutionary option for heart disease."

Robert Tools made a difference for mankind, and that is what makes a hero.

They say, "Man doesn't make history, history makes the man."

New York Mayor Rudy Guiliani is a perfect example. Prior to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, Guiliani was being hounded by critics over marital and other problems. After his exemplary leadership in the post-attack days, he has become a national icon with a promising future in the career of his choice.

If the mark of a man is how he responds to adversity, Guiliani rates a 10.

Who can understand why ABC decided to stifle one of its most successful programs, "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?"

The program has been jockeyed back and forth in different time slots to the point where fans have become irritated and given up.

While other programs are constantly hyped on the network, seldom is there a promotional segment for Regis Philbin and the program that consistently rated in the top 10 --- when you could find it.

The latest word is cancellation. What's up?

Some talking head on TV recently said, "There are good Muslims and there are bad Muslims." Of course, that could be said about any religious or ethnic group.

So how do we separate the good from the bad?

Does Louis Farrakhan still think of folks like me as "blue-eyed devils"?

As I listen to the pontificators on television I am reminded of writer William Morgan's "I Told You So":

No matter what happens

Be it bad or good

There is always someone

Who knew that it would.