Erika Conner
In the past 25 years, Brigham and Women's Hospital has performed more than 550 heart transplants. 7News' Christa Delcamp has more.
Scot Wilson of Wenham is a husband and a father of three. He's also a heart transplant recipient.
Scot Wilson, heart transplant recipient
"I'm still weak in the legs - my muscles aren't strong yet."
Scot received his new heart in March of this year.
Scot Wilson, heart transplant recipient
"It's going to take me awhile to get strong. At least 6 months."
But he and his family are thankful, because for years before his transplant, Scot suffered from serious heart problems.
Sophie Wilson, Scot's wife
"I mean he had been sick. I mean, for Scot to go into heart failure - it's sort of scary to say - but it wasn't a big deal. It became a routine."
Scot chose Brigham and Women's for his transplant, and became the hospital's 559th recipient.
Scot Wilson, heart transplant recipient
"That's the number that was given to me at Brigham and Women's and it's very, very special to me."
And doctors at Brigham and Women's are celebrating, too. They say after 25 years of performing heart transplants, a lot of small changes have made a big difference.
Dr. Gregory Couper, Surgical Director of the Heart Transplant Program at Brigham and Women's Hospital
"I think the average heart transplant patient lives longer now than they did earlier in the experience and a lot of that is related to bringing patients through to transport in better shape, possibly selecting better patients to benefit from the procedure, and reducing the early complications in transplantation."
Just about two weeks after his surgery, Scot was able to go home.
Sophie Wilson, Scot's wife
"Dr. Couper says, 'Well, if everything goes well, maybe a week, ten days.' And I said, 'I don't want him back - not that soon!' I said 'You be sure.'
For Scot and his family, it means a new lease on life.
Scot Wilson, heart transplant recipient
"They've allowed my children and myself to have a husband and a father... it's a priceless gift."
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