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Jul 28Liked by Georgia Patrick

My recent personal experience arises from a combination of both synchronized energy and isolation. As you know, Georgia, I had a heart transplant last year as a result of a rare virus. The church we both attended held prayer vigils for me at every service before and after transplant. At the time of my admission, the university hospital policy was not to transplant even otherwise healthy individuals after a certain numerical age. With collective community prayer and some outstanding advocacy, minds were changed and I had the transplant operation. This week I was informed by the university that I was a catalyst in a change of hospital policy, and several other individuals my age who also were otherwise healthy(but for heart failure) had successful transplants. Thus, collective action by my community resulted in not only my return to good heart health, but also others who certainly would not otherwise have lived. This may not have been the on point comment you were looking for, but I think it is a fascinating variant.

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That is exactly what we wanted to hear from you Bruce. Age is only a number and there are so many other factors to consider and appreciate in each person. Community action and unselfish acts bring us awe. And, scientifically, awe is an emotion that affects total health and longevity.

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