Where the Foundation began.
The Feragotti Foundation was established by the family of heart transplant recipient Brian Feragotti. Its mission grew from what Brian and his family lived through.
His family's experience revealed just how much strength, knowledge and support can be required long after transplant surgery is over.
Brian received the extraordinary gift of a new heart.
He underwent surgery to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm. What first appeared to be a superficial MRSA infection developed into a severe and extensive one.
Surgeons were required to remove portions of Brian's costosternal and sternoclavicular joints, muscle tissue surrounding his sternum, and part of the sternum itself. Brian remained in a coma for nearly two weeks and faced an exceptionally difficult recovery.
Brian continued to face chronic illness and serious complications, including a pulmonary embolism, numerous digestive system conditions requiring repeated hospitalizations, and facial reconstruction with three titanium plates following a separate traumatic injury.
Brian was fortunate to have a devoted family, a strong support system, and essential legal and financial arrangements in place. Many transplant recipients and caregivers do not have access to those same resources. The Foundation exists to change that.