Texas Tech Baseball Special Assistant Ray Hayward‘s journey to this point has been one befitting the grit and work ethic he has built over a lifetime playing, scouting, and coaching baseball.
Hayward, 61, underwent surgery March 21 to correct a heart valve issue. He has met with severe complications over the weeks following that surgery but at this point is stable and has been working to rehabilitate and strengthen his body. Ray Hayward Preparing for Heart Transplant
One of the milestones required to be placed on the transplant list was to walk up and down the hallway, a tall order considering the length of time spent immobile following multiple surgeries. Additionally, in order for Hayward’s heart to operate efficiently, he is making use of ECMO and an Impella heart pump. In extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), blood is pumped outside of your body to a heart-lung machine that removes carbon dioxide and sends oxygen-filled blood back to tissues in the body.
On May 1, Hayward walked 20 steps down the hall outside of his room, something no patient at his hospital had ever accomplished while on ECMO and Impella. He improved on that distance over the next two days and on Wednesday, his family announced he has officially been added to the transplant list.
Hayward’s heart-related journey is most likely not yet nearing completion. According to OrganDonor.gov, there are approximately 3,200 patients currently waiting for a heart transplant. Many will wait six months or more for a match with some patients waiting more than a year. Hayward will require a heart that matches his blood type and the size of his heart.
The family asks for the continued prayers of Red Raiders and friends from across the country. They also ask for prayers for the family of the future donor.
Ongoing updates about Hayward’s progress can be accessed on his Caring Bridge site HERE.
For those who wish to financially support the Haywards during this difficult time, gifts can be made at the site below.
