Atglen man receives new heart

In November of 2022, Community Courier readers were introduced to Nicholas Madrigale of Atglen, who was in need of a heart transplant.

Today, Madrigale, who turned 32 on April 19, not only has a new heart, but he is also home recuperating with his family. "I am sore and not as strong physically, but I have moments when I (realize) I never felt this good before," he said.

The surgery took place at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, where Madrigale had been a patient for 95 days waiting for a donor heart. "In December 2022 they did a heart catheterization. They noted that my levels were not stable enough to go home, and they implanted an Impella heart pump," he explained. "I was hooked up to a machine that assisted my heart in pumping. You cannot leave the hospital with that."

He received his new heart on April 1. "The organ procurement center called me on Saturday morning at 2 a.m. and told me it would happen that day. I went in (for surgery) at 7 p.m. and came out at 2 in the morning," he said. "I woke up on Sunday and was sore, and on Monday, they had me sit in a chair. I walked on Tuesday. It gets easier once you get up."

Madrigale returned home on April 12 to his girlfriend, Danielle Hayes, and their four children. He is now able to breathe easier and enjoy a good night's sleep. "I am trying to figure out the best way to put it into words. It's a new lease on life," he shared. "I am lucky enough to be home and recovering."

Madrigale hopes to someday meet the family members of the organ donor, but that decision would be up to them. "There is a process from the organ center. I know (the heart) came from Kentucky," he said. "You can write a letter and it goes to a third party, and they send the information to the donor family and it's up to them to respond. This person is now a part of me, (but) it's up to them. I will accept what they decide."

Madrigale is already thinking about returning to work. "In the next two or three months, I will eventually be cleared for cardiac rehab, and I will be able to put the new heart to work and build back my strength and muscles," he said. "Luckily, I was a loan officer at a bank, so it's not too physically demanding. I like the finance world and hope to go back sooner than later."

Since April is Donor Awareness Month, Madrigale encourages people to make their wishes known about whether or not they want to donate their organs. "(Having the donor designation) on your driver's license is great, but you should have someone that is aware of what your plans would be or what you would do," he noted. "Timing is very crucial. You should have that conversation or an advance directive."

Madrigale plans to participate in the Donor Dash in Philadelphia, which is presented each year by the Gift of Life Donor Program. "I wasn't able to get there this year, but I will be there next year," he said, adding, "I can't wait to see what comes next."

A GoFundMe has been set up to help Madrigale with his medical expenses. For more information, visit http://www.gofundme.com/f/the-journey-for-a-new-heart-for-nick-madrigale.