Iowa's first heart transplant patient celebrates 20 years
NORTH LIBERTY, Iowa Today's a big day for Emerson Martin.
The 45-year-old North Liberty man plans to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his heart transplant.
He was the state's first -- and he beat the odds more than once.
Martin was 25 when he was given only months to live. He went on to become Iowa's first heart transplant patient in June 1985 at University Hospitals in Iowa City. He also survived cancer, had a third child with his wife, Traci, and lived beyond expectations.
University Hospitals has since performed 153 heart transplants.
Martin was told not to expect any more children because of the drugs he takes -- 30-to-40 pills a day. His youngest daughter, Emily, is now eight.
His goal is to see her graduate in ten years.
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