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2015 RIDER

 GAETANO "GATES" ORLANDO

Heart Recipient
Age 52 ~ Victor, NY
Scout for NJ Devils National Hockey League (NHL)

Sponsored by Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network, University of Rochester Medical Center and Strong Memorial Hospital


Gaetano "Gates" Orlando, 52, is a retired NHL hockey player and hockey coach and now a talent scout for the New Jersey Devils. He played professionally for the Buffalo Sabres and the Milano (Italy) Devils. In 2011, Gates was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, a rare form of heart failure. Although he was able to manage his symptoms with medication and medical devices for a time, the disease progressed and he needed a heart transplant.  On February 4, 2013, Gates received a new heart from Paul M. Guyette, 42, an electrician with two children, who loved sports and was a devoted Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres fan. Paul's family thinks his heart's destination seems meant to be. Gates and Paul's wife Mary, tell their stories together often.


Gaetano's Story

Gaetano "Gates" Orlando, 52, is a retired NHL hockey player and hockey coach who is now a talent scout for the New Jersey Devils. The Italian-Canadian, who during his heyday played professionally for the Buffalo Sabres and the Milano (Italy) Devils, has led an active, exciting life doing what he has loved since he was a child on the ice in Canada.

But in 2011, Gates was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, a rare form of heart failure. Although he was able to manage his symptoms with medication for a time, the disease progressed and he eventually participated in a clinical study of a new external defibrillator, LifeVest, a wearable device that saved Gates' life when his heart stopped beating, delivering therapeutic shock to restore the regular rhythm.  

But more extensive measures were needed, and Gates was put on the transplant waiting list. In the meantime, in April 2012, Gates' heart was replaced with the SynCardia Total Artificial Heart as a bridge to transplant. He was the first person in the upstate New York region to receive the device, which kept him alive as he waited for a donor heart.

Less than a year later, on February 4, 2013, Gates received a new heart from a donor who also lived in Rochester. Paul M. Guyette, 42, was a married electrician with two children. He loved sports and was a devoted Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres fan who never missed a game. At the time of the donation, Paul's family had no idea who would benefit from his selfless gift of life, yet in hindsight they think his heart's destination seems meant to be.

Gates has taken many opportunities to tell his story to demonstrate the power of organ donation and the importance of joining a donor registry. Paul's wife, Mary, has joined him at events to tell the inspirational story that she and her family in part share with Gates. And Paul's floragraph will ride with Gates on the Donate Life float.

"I am blessed and grateful to have been given the gift of life" said Gate. "Please consider becoming an organ donor."