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Interviews with news makers and discussion of topics important to Southwest Michigan. Subscribe to the podcast through Apple itunes and Google. Segments of interview are heard in WestSouthwest Brief during Morning Edition and All Things Considered

WestSouthwest: Retired WMU professor competing in World Transplant Games

Courtesy of David Rozelle

WestSouthwest: Retired WMU professor competing in World Transplant Games
Interview with David Rozelle

    

Retired WMU Professor of Accountancy David Rozelle is "one of the lucky ones" thanks to a heart transplant. 

Rozelle received his new heart 12 years ago this fall. He had suffered a massive heart attack in 1984 . Later he was deteriorating with congestive heart failure. Rozelle was transferred to the University of Michigan hospital with his heart failing and death seemed imminent. 

Rozelle tells WMUK's Gordon Evans that he thought he would be "semi invalid" after receiving a heart transplant. But soon he found that he felt better than he had in years. Rozelle started walking, then running. He competed in the World Transplant Games in 2011 in Sweden. Next week he will compete in the 5K and run the 400 meters in Durban South Africa. 

Rozelle will compete in the 70 and older division. He says the games raise awareness about organ donation and show what people can do with transplanted organs. 

Gordon Evans became WMUK's Content Director in 2019 after more than 20 years as an anchor, host and reporter. A 1990 graduate of Michigan State, he began work at WMUK in 1996.