The Gift of an Open Heart: The Struggle from Birth to Graduation for a Young Heart Patient

Nick was not supposed to live past his seventh birthday. Now, nearly twenty years and ten heart operations later, he shares his amazing story of how family, community, friends, and a positive attitude gave him a chance for a new life. Nick was a heartbeat away from death just days after he was born, when the doctors discovered he had a rare heart problem. The operation was dangerous, the outcome iffy—but with the help of doctors and the love of friends and family, Nick survived. But that was not the end of Nick’s troubles, merely the omen of more risky operations and questionable outcomes in the future. But this did not stop a courageous boy, along with a loving family and supportive community, from trying to beat the odds, no matter how hopeless. In this incredible story, Nick shares how he longed to be just “like the other kids,” how he faced his own mortality day after day, and how the miracles of love, caring and medicine gave Nick back the life he had always dreamed about.

Nick Zerwas speaks around the country for the American Heart Association. Since birth he has survived ten open-heart operations. He talks to groups and students of all ages about his remarkable journey and the importance of family, friends, and scientific research.