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August 4, 2003
MEDIA CONTACT: Karen Blum
PHONE: 410-955-1534
E-MAIL: kblum@jhmi.eduLocal Man Celebrates 20-year Heart Transplant Anniversary
Orlando DeFelice, 48, of Phoenix, Md., has a lot to be thankful for.
Twenty years ago he was diagnosed with idiopathic cardiomyopathy, a serious heart disorder of unknown origin. On Aug. 6, 1983, he received a heart transplant at Johns Hopkins, after which doctors told him he had an 80 percent chance of living one year after the operation, and only a 50 percent chance of living five years after surgery.
Today, the heart he received is still performing well. DeFelice, an accounting professional at McCormick Industrial Division, says he feels great and plays golf regularly.
For more information or to interview DeFelice or one of his physicians, contact Karen Blum at 410-955-1534.