Former NBA player Scot Pollard is in desperate need of a heart transplant due to a genetic condition that has affected many members of his family. Pollard, who stands at an impressive 6-foot-11 and weighed 260 pounds during his basketball career, faces additional challenges in finding a suitable donor heart that can adequately pump blood through his larger body.
According to a study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information, recipients of hearts from smaller donors have a higher risk of a fatal outcome. This means that Pollard’s size makes it even more difficult for him to find a suitable match. Currently, he is in the ICU at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, patiently waiting for a donor heart to become available.
In a recent text message to The Associated Press, Pollard expressed his determination to stay in the hospital until he receives a heart transplant. He understands that his condition has worsened and acknowledges that a transplant offers him the best chance of survival. His heart has been beating an additional 10,000 beats per day, and he has experienced a decline in his health over the past three years. Pollard has compared the feeling to constantly walking uphill, a symptom that has become increasingly burdensome.
Pollard’s father passed away at the age of 54 when Pollard was just 16 years old. Being the youngest of six siblings, all of whom share his height, Pollard has always known that his heart was at risk as he grew older. This realization has been a constant reminder that, despite his height, he may not live to see old age.
In his 11-year NBA career, Pollard played for five different teams and won a championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008. Unfortunately, his career was cut short when he suffered a season-ending injury in February of that same year. Following his basketball days, Pollard worked as a broadcaster and even appeared on the reality TV show Survivor.
In his quest to improve his health, Pollard has tried various medications and non-surgical procedures, such as ablations, which aim to correct irregular heartbeats. He has also had a pacemaker implanted. However, both Pollard and his doctors agree that a heart transplant is the best course of action to enhance his chances of survival.
To increase his chances of receiving a heart quickly, Pollard has been advised to register for the transplant list in as many places as possible within a four-hour radius. While there are no guarantees, Pollard remains hopeful, stating that his medical team is confident he will receive a heart in a matter of weeks rather than months.
Scot Pollard’s story is a poignant reminder of the importance of organ donation and the impact it can have on someone’s life. With the support of his medical team and the generosity of an organ donor, Pollard hopes to overcome his genetic condition and continue living a fulfilling life.
