Heroes

[Wayne Johnson]

In this season of heroes, I would offer that it would be very appropriate to
take a moment to consider the courageous act of Robert Tools who, sadly,
died today.  Granted that this gentlemen...and all indications were that he
was one...was suffering from diabetes and other illnesses and was faced with
a less than happy long term prospect, but Mr. Tools allowed doctors...and
the manufacturer...to completely remove his heart.

Think about that.  Once it is gone, it is gone.  All the history, all our
mythology, even much of our language is centered in the heart, yet Mr. Tools
was willing, in his interest and in the interest of others, to part with his
and to embark on a very, very risky implantation of a mechanical device.
Sadly, this procedure might have benefited him more if it had happened
earlier.  I don't know what caused the stroke but evidently his body
couldn't withstand the strain of all the medication.  I think this was an
extremely courageous act...and, of course, it wasn't the first time someone
had endeavoured to do this...ie. the Jarvik failures.  Five other men have
undergone the same procedure and one of them died.  There are great odds
against success I guess.

Mr. Tools should not be forgotten in our rush to complement and honor those
whose tragic deaths we have witnesses thousands of times now.  This is a
"small" story, but no less an act of heroism.

WJ