Guy Labine – President and CEO of the Arizona Science Center, Phoenix, AZ

Guy had relocated from Canada to Arizona in 2022, a move he credited with saving his life. The proximity to emergency services in Arizona proved crucial, contrasting with the two-hour distance in Canada. Joining a gym in Arizona, Guy's life took an unexpected turn. Mindful of the signs of an impending heart attack due to his father's passing at a similar age, Guy acted swiftly when he experienced chest pain on an elliptical machine, requesting the receptionist to call 911.

Facing repeated heart failures, Guy was promptly placed on the transplant list. He ultimately received a life-saving heart from a selfless donor and BLADE’s MediMobility Operations team, from the dispatcher who took the call to the driver delivering Guy's heart to the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, played a vital role in saving his life.

Pictured:
Guy Labine – President and CEO of the Arizona Science Center, Phoenix, AZ
Seth Bacon – Founder and CEO of Trinity Air Medical Solutions, Tempe, AZ + Seth’s son

Buddy Morris – Arizona Cardinals Senior Reconditioning Coordinator, Tempe, AZ

Buddy, a strong man inside and out, emotionally sheds tears telling his daughter's story who had been battling liver disease. He vividly recalls every step of her transplant journey, from the tense moment of learning about the liver donation to the surgery day, the anxious wait during his daughter's surgery, unsure if she would make it. Closing his eyes, he said a prayer, feeling a sudden calm—a certainty that she would be okay and lead a healthy life. Buddy acknowledged the sacrifice of another family for his daughter's chance at life, offering gratitude in prayer.

"In 1989, my oldest daughter, Kara, was diagnosed with autoimmune chronic active hepatitis, a progressive liver disease that leads to cirrhosis and transplantation. She is now 32 and, by the grace of God, is stable (though a few prayers wouldn't hurt) and non-active on the transplant list. With Kara's diagnosis, I decided to step away from coaching and be a father. I went to work developing and worked in what was then a "Work Hardening Program," a program that began nationally to return injured workers to active employment. I also developed a program that the hospital called "Pro Performance Plus," which trained local high school athletes for sporting activity (one of the first attempts at a performance center for high school athletes.). I also started working training athletes for the NFL combine as one of the first combine prep training programs." – Buddy Morris

Pictured:
Buddy Morris is in his 10th season with the Cardinals and first as Senior Reconditioning Coordinator.

Daniel and Courtney Waterbury – Glendale, AZ

In 2020, Daniel embarked on a journey that would change his life forever. On his 40th birthday, he discovered the urgent need for a new liver, marking just the initial phase of his daunting path.

It all began with a diagnosis of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver disease, evolving into Cirrhosis of the Liver in 2020. Placed on the transplant list, Daniel experienced the heartbreak of three missed opportunities as livers went to those deemed sicker. Amid dwindling hope, a final call arrived during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stepping into the hospital alone, Daniel recognized this as his moment, his second chance at life.

Reflecting on the pre-surgery moments, he vividly recalls seeing his doctor carrying what resembled a lunchbox – his new liver. Despite a request to see it, the doctor's laughter denied him the view. The surgery went well, but five months later, his body rejected the transplanted liver, leading to organ failure. Placed at the top of the transplant list, Daniel faced seizures, brain bleeds, jaundice, and the urgent need for a liver AND kidney. Fortunately, a second liver and kidney arrived just in time. After months in the ICU, restrained and on a ventilator, Daniel defied the odds. One determined night, he freed himself, pulled out his ventilator, and, amidst the chaos, showed signs of improvement. Released from the hospital months later, Daniel attributes his survival to the unwavering support of his wife, dedicated medical professionals, and the miraculous generosity of his donors.

This extraordinary journey unfolded at St. Joe's Hospital in Phoenix, AZ. Daniel recognizes receiving not one but two livers and a kidney as well as a renewed lease on life, made possible by the generosity of his donors and the meticulous coordination of the BLADE MediMobility transportation team.

Pictured:
Daniel and Courtney on Dececember 23, 2023