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LVAD Media Library

Explore stories, books, podcasts, and resources that inform, inspire, and support every step of the LVAD journey.

This collection brings together inspiring stories, educational books, uplifting podcasts, and trusted medical references—all in one place. Whether you’re seeking motivation, practical tips, or deeper understanding, these resources are here to support every step of your LVAD journey, for patients, families, and caregivers alike.

Heart Patient Stories
Children’s Books
LVAD Life
Motivational
Spiritual/Inspirational
Podcasts
Medical Texts and References

 

Heart Patient Stories

  1. Heart 2 Heart: Stories from Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices – Ruth Halben LMSW
    • This compilation shares narratives from patients who have received LVADs, detailing their challenges and triumphs.
  2. The Grateful Heart: Diary of a Heart Transplant – Candace C. Moose
    • Candace C. Moose, a heart transplant recipient, chronicles her personal journey, providing insights into the emotional and physical aspects of the transplant process.
  3. Caring For Nigel: Diary of a Wife Coping With Her Husband’s Dementia – Eileen Murray
    • This true and touching account offers a unique insight into the day-to-day experience of caring for someone with dementia or a related illness.
  4. Story of a Heart: Two Families, One Heart, and the Medical Miracle that Saved a Child’s Life – Dr. Rachel Clark
    • Dr. Rachel Clarke narrates the poignant true story of a heart transplant between two children, exploring the emotional and ethical dimensions of organ donation.
  5. Mirth Is The Best Medicine – David Goodemote
    • David Goodemote’s journey with the humor and the LVAD.
  6. I Once Was Dead: God’s Plan A Miracle Life – Johnnie Abreu
    • This book chronicles his experiences with open-heart surgery and the implantation of a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), a device that has become a part of his daily life.
    • Through his narrative, Johnnie shares the emotional and physical challenges he faced and the unyielding hope and faith that guided him through his darkest hours.
  7. SPIRIT – Dantrell Lvad Dad Brown
    • A Dream Transcends The Boundaries Of Reality As A Father Finds Himself Walking Through The Celestial Realm, Drawn Towards A Heavenly Glow.

Children’s Books

  1. LVAD Man – Tabitha Belhomme
    • LVAD Man is an illustrated book made for children ages 8 and up whose loved ones have or are in the process of getting an LVAD.

LVAD Life

  1. POST-VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE (VAD) SURGERY NUTRITION GUIDE: Optimizing Recovery and Health Through Targeted Nutrition and Lifestyle Choices – Alford Timothy
    • Unlock the essential roadmap to recovery with the Post-Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Surgery Nutrition Guide—a practical, supportive resource crafted for individuals and caregivers navigating the unique nutritional demands after VAD surgery. This comprehensive guide delves into specific dietary needs to aid healing, enhance energy, and support heart health during recovery.

Motivational

  1. “Man’s Search for Meaning” – Viktor E. Frankl
    • A profound exploration of finding purpose even in the most challenging circumstances, based on Frankl’s experiences in concentration camps.
  2. “Can’t Hurt Me” – David Goggins
    • A raw and motivational account of pushing beyond physical and mental limits to achieve greatness.
  3. “Siddhartha” – Hermann Hesse
    • A spiritual journey of self-discovery and the search for inner peace and meaning in life.
  4. “The Obstacle Is the Way” – Ryan Holiday
    • A modern take on Stoic philosophy, showing how to turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
  5. “The Alchemist” – Paulo Coelho
    • A magical tale about following one’s dreams and listening to the heart’s desires.
  6. “When Breath Becomes Air” – Paul Kalanithi
    • A memoir by a neurosurgeon facing a terminal diagnosis, reflecting on life, purpose, and mortality.
  7. “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” – Angela Duckworth
    • A scientific and practical exploration of how grit and perseverance can lead to success in any area of life.
  8. “The Four Agreements” – Don Miguel Ruiz
    • A guide to personal freedom through adopting four simple principles to live a fulfilling life.
  9. “Awaken the Giant Within” – Tony Robbins
    • A powerful book about taking control of your life, emotions, and destiny.
  10. “Option B” – Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant
    • A heartfelt exploration of building resilience and finding joy after facing life-altering adversity.

Spiritual/Inspirational

  1. “The Power of Now” – Eckhart Tolle
    • A guide to living in the present moment and finding peace through mindfulness.
  2. “The Untethered Soul” – Michael A. Singer
    • Explores the concept of inner freedom and how to let go of limiting thoughts and emotions.
  3. “Daring Greatly” – Brené Brown
    • Encourages embracing vulnerability as a strength and key to living a wholehearted life.
  4. “You Are Here” – Thich Nhat Hanh
    • Offers mindfulness practices and insights for finding joy and healing in everyday moments.
  5. “The Seat of the Soul” – Gary Zukav
    • Discusses the connection between spirituality, emotions, and choices to create a meaningful life.
  6. “A Return to Love” – Marianne Williamson
    • Reflects on the principles of love and forgiveness as tools for personal and spiritual growth.
  7. “The Four Agreements” – Don Miguel Ruiz
    • A practical guide to personal freedom through adopting four transformative principles.
  8. “The Art of Happiness” – Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler
    • Blends Tibetan Buddhist philosophy with Western psychology to explore the meaning of happiness.
  9. “Becoming Supernatural” – Dr. Joe Dispenza
    • Explains how to transcend limitations and unlock the body’s potential for healing and transformation.
  10. “Tuesdays with Morrie” – Mitch Albom
    • A heartfelt memoir about life lessons learned from a beloved mentor during his final days.

Podcasts

  1. LVAD Talk featuring The LVAD Nation
    • Interviews with LVAD patients including one patient who had his LVAD explanted.
  2. Heart to Heart with Anna
    • A podcast dedicated to the congenital heart defect (CHD) community, featuring stories from patients, family members, and medical professionals. Episodes cover topics like heart transplants and living with mechanical circulatory support devices.
  3. TransplantLyfe Podcast
    • Hosted by transplant recipients, this podcast shares personal experiences and insights related to organ transplantation, including heart transplants. It offers support and information for those navigating the transplant journey.
  4. The Heart of a Heart Warrior Podcast
    • Focused on individuals with congenital heart defects, this podcast discusses various treatments and interventions, such as LVADs and heart transplants, providing valuable perspectives for patients and caregivers.
  5. Heart Success: A Heart Failure Podcast
    • Produced by the Cleveland Clinic, this podcast explores topics related to heart failure management, including discussions on LVADs and heart transplantation, featuring expert interviews and patient stories.
  6. Heart Matters
    • Presented by the British Heart Foundation, this podcast covers a wide range of heart-related topics, including patient experiences with heart transplants and LVADs, as well as discussions with healthcare professionals.
  7. The Heart Failure Beat
    • Hosted by the Heart Failure Society of America, this podcast delves into the latest research, treatments, and patient stories related to heart failure, including episodes on advanced therapies like LVADs and transplants.
  8. CardioCast
    • A podcast by Medscape Cardiology, providing updates on cardiovascular health, including episodes discussing advancements in heart transplant procedures and mechanical circulatory support devices.
  9. Heart to Heart with Michael
    • A podcast focusing on the adult congenital heart defect community, sharing stories and information relevant to heart transplants and living with devices like LVADs.
  10. The Heart Podcast
    • Produced by the BMJ, this podcast discusses various cardiovascular topics, including episodes on heart transplantation and mechanical support devices, featuring expert opinions and research findings.
  11. Heart Failure Conversations
    • A podcast aimed at patients and caregivers, discussing living with heart failure, treatment options, and personal stories, including those involving LVADs and heart transplants.

Medical Texts and References

  1. “Mechanical Circulatory Support: Principles and Applications“
    • Editors: David Joyce, Jeffrey A. Morgan, and Lyle D. Joyce
    • Description: This comprehensive text delves into the principles and clinical applications of mechanical circulatory support, including detailed discussions on LVAD technology, patient selection, and management strategies.
  2. “Heart Failure: A Comprehensive Guide to Pathophysiology and Clinical Care“
    • Editors: Howard Eisen, Marc Semigran, and Eugene Braunwald
    • Description: This guide offers an in-depth exploration of heart failure, covering the latest advancements in treatment options such as LVADs, and providing insights into patient care and management.
  3. “Mechanical Circulatory Support: A Companion to Braunwald’s Heart Disease“
    • Editors: James K. Kirklin and Joseph G. Rogers
    • Description: Part of the renowned Braunwald’s Heart Disease series, this book focuses on mechanical circulatory support devices, offering detailed information on the use of LVADs in treating advanced heart failure.
  4. “Cardiac Assist Devices“
    • Editors: Steffen Rex, Christian Wittwer, and Ralf Sodian
    • Description: This text provides a thorough overview of various cardiac assist devices, including LVADs, discussing their design, function, and role in patient therapy.
  5. “Mechanical Circulatory and Respiratory Support“
    • Editors: Shaun Gregory, John F. Fraser, and Michael Stevens
    • Description: This publication offers insights into both circulatory and respiratory support mechanisms, with significant coverage of LVADs, their technological aspects, and clinical applications.