When Joe DiSanto was 11 years old, he was diagnosed with an enlarged heart. After the diagnosis, he had to give up all competitive sports and start taking heart medications. Several months later, he went into cardiac arrest and was told that he needed a heart transplant. On July 8, 2006, he was given a second chance at life. Six years later, he met his donor's mother. Since his transplant, Joe has participated in the Transplant Games, which have brought sports back into his life. Joe and his family now volunteer with the New Jersey Sharing Network to spread the word about organ donation.

Joe's Story

When Joe DiSanto was 11 years old, he went for a physical before summer sports camp. The doctor noticed his heart rate was double the normal rate and diagnosed Joe with dilated cardiomyopathy, or an enlarged heart. At the time, Joe was playing baseball, basketball and football and felt no symptoms. After the diagnosis, he had to give up all competitive sports and started taking heart medications. "I had a tough time giving up sports, because sports were my life," said Joe.

One night about 10 months later, Joe could tell something was not right. He went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to the hospital where doctors determined that he would need a heart transplant in order to survive. In the meantime, he was put on a heart machine to keep him alive until he was strong enough for a transplant and then in a medically induced coma for several weeks.

After nearly three months in intensive care, Joe was finally strong enough to withstand heart transplant surgery.

"On July 8, 2006, a young woman named Natalie gave me a second chance at life," said Joe. "I met Natalie's mom in 2012, and she told me they talked about donation when she got her license. I am thankful every day for the gift that they gave me."

A few weeks after his transplant, Joe went to a rehab hospital to learn how to walk again and regain his strength. He continued physical therapy as an outpatient for several months and returned to school, where, because of home tutoring, he did not miss a grade. He is now a

20-year-old college student majoring in business administration.

Since his transplant, Joe has participated in the Transplant Games held every two years. "The games are Olympic-style events for transplant recipients, and it has brought sports back into my life. I've been fortunate enough to win medals at the Transplant Games, and have met so many great recipients, donor families, and living donors. It's a great way to spread awareness, thank donors, and celebrate life," he said.

Joe and his family are now volunteers with the New Jersey Sharing Network to spread the word about organ donation.

"There are over 100,000 people on the waiting list in America. It is my mission to bring that number down so that others can get a second chance like I did," he said. "I feel that my story is powerful, and I share it to encourage people to register and to give hope to those waiting."