Former politician Walter “Junior” Boatright has a new platform, spreading the message of organ donation.
Since receiving a surgically implanted left ventricular assist device in December 2015, the 58-year-old has been on a wait list for a heart transplant.
The electronic device, commonly called a LVAD, circulates blood throughout Boatright’s body, keeping him alive as he awaits a heart donor.
The Callahan resident is not alone on his quest to receive an organ.
As of July 31, 116,805 people across the nation were awaiting an organ transplant, according to information from the United Network of Organ Sharing.
The organization maintains the national transplant wait list, according to LifeQuest public education coordinator Pamela Rittenhouse, who works at UF Health Gainesville.
Of that total, 5,401 people are Floridians, with 275 awaiting new hearts. Nationally, 3,947 people are on the wait list for a heart.
“We know that 95 percent of people say they support organ donation, Rittenhouse wrote in an email. “Nationally, 54 percent of people are registered as organ donors. In North Florida, it is 59 percent.”
Those who wish to become organ donors may register online at www.donatelifeflorida.org.
Boatright is medically checked on monthly basis to ensure his LVAD functions correctly. Although eager for a transplant, Boatright said he understands that others in poorer health may come first.
His health issues started in 2013, shortly after he was re-elected to the Nassau Board of County Commissioners. He was experiencing shortness of breath and doctors initially told him that he may have adult asthma.
After another episode, Boatright returned to the hospital. A cardiac catheterization revealed that the left side of his heart had been weakened by a viral attack. After a year of taking medication, Boatright opted for the implant.
“I wasn’t worried,” he said of the surgery risks. “If I didn’t (make it), I know where I’m going. I’m either going to the right place or wake up sore.”
Without the device, Boatright would have had about six months to live. He recalled how the doctor delivered the news, saying, “If you decide not to do it, we’re just going to call hospice.”
Though he no longer has a pulse, Boatright has hardly skipped a beat, maintaining a mobile lifestyle via two batteries that keep the LVAD functioning.
“It sounds like a blender,” he quipped.
Because they last about 12 hours, he wears two batteries on his person and keeps a set of replacement batteries inside a black shoulder bag.
When he sleeps, his LVAD is electrically charged by a wall outlet.
He can no longer go swimming or participate in any other water-related activities like fishing – one of his favorite hobbies. He also maintains a low sodium diet.
“I haven’t had a French fry since I don’t know how long,” Boatright said. “But people, if you really get to looking at it, you don’t know how much sodium is in food.”
Despite the lifestyle changes, Boatright is upbeat.
“The advantage is I feel better and get to see my grandkids grow up,” he said.
Boatright also stays busy attending local, state and national medical conferences and speaking out about his experience as a LVAD recipient.
“Telling them and showing them, because this is still a new technology,” he said.
Wife Tonya serves as caretaker, taking on a daily regimen to keep Boatright healthy.
“I change Junior’s bandage daily … where the driveline exits out of his abdomen,” Tonya Boatright said. “The internal line is attached to the heart pump. The part that exits out of his abdomen is attached to a controller and two batteries, which keep the pump running.”
Her tasks include keeping the driveline area free from infection with daily changes, utilizing sterile materials. The routine takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
“I make sure his equipment stays clean and I order all medical supplies monthly,” Tonya said.
She expressed thanks for the support she has received both past and present.
“It was of course very devastating when you are told your husband needs a heart transplant,” Tonya said. “Thankfully with lots of support and prayers we are here today. We have wonderful doctors, family and friends. We take one day at a time and are very thankful that he feels good today. Modern medical technology is amazing. The doctors had told us if this had happened 20 years ago, his days would be numbered. We are very grateful and thankful that the LVAD keeps him going until a transplant is available.”
As he worked toward recovery, Boatright was overwhelmed by the community response.
“It was humbling to be honest,” he said. “This is almost like – because we were getting cards and letters and flowers and food – it was a lot like attending my own funeral without dying, because there was such an outpouring for Tonya and myself.”
As they wait for news of a donor, the Boatrights refuse to see the down side.
“Right now life goes on, we move forward and don’t look back,” Tonya said. “God is definitely not finished with Junior on earth.”
Boatright said the experience has made him more aware of his inner strength.
“I guess maybe that I’m a lot stronger than I used to be,” he added. “Let’s face it, we’re all scaredy-cats when it comes to surgery, but I learned I could go through this open heart surgery. And of course, it was worse on the family than me because I was asleep.”