The Bill Schroeder Story - Hardcover

According to Barnette, who reported the story for the Washington Post, Schroeder survived the world's second artificial heart implant as long as he did620 daysnot only because of the skill and care of his surgeon, William DeVries, and the Louisville, Ky., Humana Hospital medical team but also because the patient cooperated fully and possessed a strong will to live, which was reinforced by close ties to his wife and six children. This detailed re-creation of the 21-month ordeal of the exuberant 52-year-old workaholic and devoted family man also documents the still-experimental nature of the medical procedure. Along with the disruption of family life and alternating periods of hope and despair, the Schroeders experienced constant, intrusive media and public attention. At his death, the patient's entire family was present. Photos.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the time he signed the consent forms to have the Jarvik-7 artificial heart implanted to just after his death, the life of Bill Schroeder is detailed in this book. And detailed is the key word here. Schroeder's wife, Margaret, and their children go on record with an account of Bill's heart problems and the circumstances that led up to his selection as the second person to have this operation. This readable book offers a very personal look at a family's struggle to preserve the life of a member amid conflicting fear, courage, happiness, and sadnessall under the watchful eyes of the press and public. The medical details are fascinating, but the day-to-day experiences lived out by this family are meant to grab the reader. Recommended for public libraries.Carol Spielman Lezak, General Learning Corp., Northbrook, Ill.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.