Cardiac Patient Gives Back to Team that Saved His Life
In March 2025, Donald "Jeff" Lawrence became UMass Memorial Medical Center’s oldest Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) patient at the time when he received his implant—a heart pump that helps restore blood flow for patients whose weakened heart muscles can no longer pump blood effectively.
In the year since receiving his LVAD, Jeff is feeling better than he has in years and is back to roughly 80% of activity and health.
“There are up and down days,” says Jeff, “but each is a gift.”
The ability to return to the sports he loves has been the best part of this journey. Jeff received his LVAD on March 12, 2025 and was back on the golf course “putting and chipping” by late July. After making more strides in August, he was able to drive a golf cart and play a full nine holes.
That October brought Jeff back to the pickleball court for some light practice and giving lessons, and then in November he was playing full games. From there, Jeff returned to indoor walks, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing in the woods. He has only progressed more since then.
“Today, I gave an hour-long pickleball lesson and then played four games,” says Jeff.
Jeff and his wife Rose were so grateful to his UMass Memorial Medical Center cardiac care and LVAD Program teams that they made a philanthropic gift to support their clinical work and future patients.
“There are not enough words to express how blessed I was by the UMass Memorial teams,” says Jeff. “Taking me from knocking on Heaven’s door to a whole new lease on life. Compassion and caring are hallmarks of cardiac care at UMass Memorial.”
Jeff and Rose are also appreciative of the LVAD Program’s work to educate, support, and nurture patients like Jeff. The team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer questions, support families, and supervise the healing process.
One year later, Jeff and Rose visited UMass Memorial Medical Center with a cake—another way to say thank you to Jeff’s care teams for all they have done for his family.
And now, with Spring upon us, Jeff is looking forward to outdoor sports and not taking a single day for granted.
