Scot Pollard emerged from the hospital in high spirits on Thursday, marking a significant milestone nearly two weeks after his heart transplant surgery.
The former NBA star and Kansas center rang the bell at the Vanderbilt Transplant Center in Nashville, Tennessee, greeted by applause from hospital staff who gathered to witness the momentous occasion. Dawn, Pollard’s wife, shared a video capturing the event on social media.
While neither Pollard nor Dawn explicitly stated the significance of the bell ringing, it seemed to signify Pollard’s discharge from the hospital.
This tradition echoes similar rituals in medical settings, such as cancer patients completing chemotherapy treatments. Dressed in casual attire and sporting a smile, Pollard appeared relieved and hopeful as he rang the bell.
Scot wanted me to let everyone know that the pre-heart transplant hair is gone, it’s go time! Please keep the prayers coming for Scot, the surgeons, for the donor and his family who lost their loved one. This donor gave the most amazing gift of life and we are forever grateful❤️🩹 pic.twitter.com/OQRGDma5e6
— Dawn Pollard (@DawnMPollard) February 16, 2024
This moment arrived three weeks after Pollard was admitted to Vanderbilt’s intensive care unit on February 7, grappling with a condition exacerbated by a genetic disorder causing his heart to overwork significantly.
He had made it clear earlier that he wouldn’t leave the hospital until he received a donor heart and underwent the transplant. Despite trying various treatments, including medications and a pacemaker, Pollard’s condition persisted, likely stemming from a virus contracted years ago.
At 48, Pollard faced a unique challenge in finding a suitable donor heart—one capable of sustaining the rigorous demands of a former professional athlete standing at 6 feet 11 inches and weighing 260 pounds.
Today was productive & Scot is feeling stronger. Had 2 hours of post heart transplant education where we learned ALL the things about how to best care for his new gift-no rejection allowed! His remaining wires were removed, he’s off all IV meds & did 3 laps without a walker!💪🏼❤️🩹 pic.twitter.com/g4ocWsYOV6
— Dawn Pollard (@DawnMPollard) February 27, 2024
On February 16, Dawn shared the news that doctors had found a compatible heart for Pollard, expressing gratitude to the donor and their family for their life-saving gift.
Following the successful transplant, Dawn continued to keep supporters updated through social media, sharing videos of Pollard’s progress. A video on February 26 showcased Pollard walking unaided, free from IVs and medical devices, indicating his steady recovery.
Pollard expressed gratitude for the donor’s heart, describing it as a perfect fit during an interview with Sacramento’s CBS 13. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging the donor’s family, despite their choice to remain anonymous, recognizing the tragedy of their loss and the generosity of their decision to donate.
Reflecting on his post-transplant experience, Pollard admitted to feeling significantly better than before the surgery, underscoring his previous unawareness of the severity of his condition.
A standout athlete during his college years at Kansas and a seasoned NBA player, Pollard’s journey to health has been met with widespread support and celebration from fans and institutions alike. His alma mater, the University of Kansas, commemorated Thursday’s news with a highlight reel of his illustrious basketball career on social media.
Pollard’s resilience and gratitude shine through as he embarks on the next chapter of his life, having conquered a formidable health challenge with the support of his loved ones and the medical community.
