Finding His Strength Again: Marlin’s Journey
Marlin devoted his life to serving as a state correctional officer. It was a career that called for strength, stamina, and resilience. At 52, he never imagined shortness of breath and extreme fatigue would be the first signs of a life-threatening heart condition.
“I’m the last person to go to the doctor,” Marlin said. “But one evening, I could barely climb the steps in my own home. I told my wife, ‘Something’s going on. We need to go to the hospital.’”
Over time, Marlin’s heart condition required ongoing treatment and a pacemaker to help keep him stable. But after contracting COVID-19, his heart health quickly declined. Swelling, exhaustion, and a weakened heart left him in need of more advanced care.
Finding Hope — and the Right Support
When his doctors explained that a heart transplant would be his best option, Marlin’s journey took a difficult turn. His kidneys were also failing, which made his condition even more complex. That’s when he met Dr. Ketan Gala, Medical Director of the Advanced Heart Failure Program at Cooper and Inspira Cardiac Care, who offered the compassion and guidance Marlin needed most.
“When I wanted to give up, he was there. Dr. Gala’s support and determination meant everything.” – Marlin
“When I wanted to give up, he was there. Dr. Gala’s support and determination meant everything.” – Marlin
Ketan Gala, MD, FACC
Medical Director of the Advanced Heart Failure Program
Dr. Gala and his team worked closely with Marlin to manage his symptoms, support his health, and help him prepare for the next stage of his care, ultimately connecting him with a heart transplant program.
“We don’t stop advocating for our patients,” explained Dr. Gala. “No matter where their care takes them, we’re part of their team the whole way through.”
A New Chapter, Returning Home to Heal
After receiving a successful heart and kidney transplant at NYU Langone Transplant Institute in Manhattan, Marlin was ready to focus on recovery. Once he was cleared to continue rehabilitation closer to home, he attended the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Inspira Medical Center Vineland — part of the Cooper and Inspira Cardiac Care network.
“I had 36 sessions and I graduated,” Marlin said proudly. “Everyone cheered for me. They gave me a certificate. The staff were incredible. They treated me like family.”
Cardiac rehab is a supervised exercise and education program designed to help patients safely rebuild strength, improve endurance, and boost heart health after major cardiac events or procedures — including heart transplants. For Marlin, it became a bridge back to the life he thought he had lost.
Life After Recovery
Today, Marlin is thriving. He works out at the gym every morning after dropping off his daughter at school. He walks on the treadmill, rides his bike, and lifts light weights, grateful for every breath.
“I weighed just 140 pounds after surgery,” he said. “Now I’m back up to 171. I have my strength again. More than that, I have a second chance at life.”
Learn about Cardiac Rehabilitation here.
