LVAD and a New Life

In the spring of 2023, Sean Young’s life changed in an instant.

Just 27 years old, Sean was living a healthy, full life. He had recently married Maddie, the love of his life, in June 2022. He worked hard, exercised regularly, and enjoyed time with friends and family. There were no warning signs that his heart was about to fail.

But in early May, everything collapsed. Sean was rushed to Elliot Hospital in Manchester, NH, in critical condition. His heart was barely pumping. His body was in shock. And to make matters worse, doctors discovered seven blood clots throughout his organs — in his heart, brain, lung, liver, and more.

The situation was dire. Medication alone wasn’t enough. After stabilizing him, doctors transferred Sean to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston for advanced care. There, it became clear that his heart wouldn’t recover without mechanical support. In early June, Sean underwent open-heart surgery to receive a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) — a mechanical pump that now supports the left side of his heart.

For many patients, that’s the turning point. But Sean wasn’t in the clear.

Following surgery, the right side of his heart also began to fail. It couldn’t keep up. He was rushed back to the ICU and required additional support: a temporary Right Ventricular Assist Device (RVAD). For two full weeks, Sean fought to survive with both sides of his heart being supported by machines.

And then, finally, some good news.

The RVAD was removed. His right heart stabilized. After a long and painful hospitalization, Sean was able to go home.

Since then, his story has been one of quiet strength and steady recovery. The LVAD still keeps the left side of his heart pumping, and it will continue to do so until a donor heart becomes available for transplant. But Sean hasn’t let that slow him down.

He’s back to doing what he loves — exercising, woodworking, landscaping, and most importantly, being a father. His son was born in February 2025. Despite everything, Sean has embraced this new chapter of life with gratitude and grit. The future still holds challenges. But he’s meeting each day with purpose.

His story is a powerful reminder of what it means to survive with an LVAD — not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Sean didn’t ask for this journey. He was blindsided. But through the support of his wife, his medical team, and a network of friends, family, and strangers, he’s standing tall and moving forward.

He was knocked down.
He got back up.
And he’s not just surviving — he’s living.

For other patients, caregivers, and providers who find themselves in the thick of it, Sean’s journey is proof that life after heart failure is still rich with meaning. It’s still yours to shape. The road might be rough, but there’s beauty ahead.

And like Sean, you don’t have to walk it alone.