By WALLYCE TODD
Staff Writer

Nine months in a hospital gives a man time to think about what matters most. Life for Howard Worley has a sweeter aroma now he knows he’s met death and said, “Not now.”

Born in 1939, Howard was declared dead by one doctor in 1995 after he had a massive heart attack. But another doctor at the Columbus Regional Healthcare would not accept that verdict for fact, and proceeded to “shock” Howard’s heart until it began pumping again and he was airlifted to Duke.

Doctors told Johnny Worley his father would likely not live until the family drove to Durham. Howard’s son disagreed: “My daddy’s got a lot of faith. He’ll be alive when I get there.” Johnny was right.

Howard did live and is still living today, thanks to surgery in 1995, and a nine-month stay at Duke in 2001 that was ultimately followed by a heart transplant. Even with all the medical challenges he’s had, Howard is not just sitting around taking it easy.

In fact, in response to the overwhelming support he and his family received at Duke and from others, they began the “Heart Day Donor Services” organization in 2002. This non-profit organization was designed to help people locally who need transplants. It was also established to provide an annual event for people in the Southeast with connections to someone who needs a heart transplant to gather and celebrate life.

This annual event, entitled Heart Day, takes place each year since 2002 at Daddy Joe’s Campground in Tabor City. This weekend will see the sixth annual event welcome many people who have met medical challenges head-on and declared: “I’m not giving up; I’m fighting; I have hope.”

Howard knows how imperative it is to keep believing that life will improve. He had to hold on to that belief every day he was away from Columbus County and waiting for a heart transplant. While he was waiting, he helped coordinate a gospel-singing group at the hospital. It was a special brand of music therapy for many of the long-term patients at Duke, including those children who were in the cancer ward.

When he was 60, Howard received a 52-year-old heart. The gift another family gave the Worley family inspired them all to continue the tradition of giving by supporting other families affected by a loved one’s need for a transplant.

Howard’s son Mike Worley is the new owner of Jolly Dollar on East Main Street in Whiteville. He also serves as president of the Heart Day Donor Services organization. His sister-in-law, Serena Worley is vice-president. The titles might sound important, but what they believe is most important is providing encouragement, fellowship and financial aid to those who incur financial and emotional hardship due to a need for a transplant.

Serena noted: “The day is really about what our flyer says; ‘Reuniting all organ transplant recipients and providing a chance to help educate others on becoming an organ donor.’”

All of the Worley family members are avid advocates of sharing the importance of being an organ donor. They give testimony to how much a transplant can mean to a family... every time they look at Howard, they’re reminded of that truth.

Of the medical team that treated his father at Duke, Mike recalled, “They’re an outstanding bunch.” Howard agreed: “I think they’re very nice. They really saved my life.”

Every year, the members of the Duke team are invited to Daddy Joe’s. When they can, they come. As they drive into the campground, they’re likely to see people from a variety of places all around the region. Heart Day includes people of all ages who are bound by a thread of transplant commonality.

Howard says, “It’s kept growing and growing every year. We never thought it would turn into something as big as it is.”

This year, Heart Day will begin at 11 a.m., with lunch being served around 1 p.m. Food, music, entertainment and fellowship will be offered to any and all who come. A cakewalk with prizes will also be on the agenda.

The Worleys believe faith, prayers, support, and God’s work through medical advances are what allowed Howard to live beyond that day when a doctor pronounced him dead. Now, with thankful hearts, they want to share what God has given them with others.

The Heart Day Donor Services organization will continue to provide whatever help and encouragement it can through its annual Heart Day and contributions throughout the year. To contact the organization, call Mike or Serena Worley at 640-3100.

If you or someone you know is a transplant recipient or a family member of one, the organization invites you to attend this year’s Heart Day. Just show up on Saturday around 11 a.m. at Daddy Joe’s Campground in Tabor City, and prepare to celebrate life.