A Family’s Fight: Contra Costa Brothers Receive Life-Saving Heart Transplants After Genetic Diagnosis

Antioch, Calif. (Oct. 28, 2024) — While in his mid-40s, Antioch, California local Brian Elliott was told during a physical exam that he had an irregular heartbeat. After further testing, he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a genetic disorder that causes the heart to experience difficulty pumping blood and can lead to heart failure.

Even after a pacemaker and defibrillator were implanted, Brian continued experiencing health issues. He was placed on the transplant waiting list for a heart, which he received in June 2016.

“Without the transplant, I never would have met my grandkids, so I do everything I can to enjoy life,” said Brian. “I want my donor family to know how thankful I am that they agreed to extend someone else’s life.”

Brian’s younger brother and Pleasant Hill, California local Paul Elliott also began to experience a decline in his health. He had a chronic cough and after going to the doctor, he underwent further testing. It was determined that he also needed a pacemaker, which he received in 2015. However, his health began to deteriorate yet again in early 2017.

Paul also tested positive for cardiomyopathy and was placed on the transplant waiting list just one year after his brother received a heart transplant. Although Paul and his wife, Lisa, were expecting the news after seeing Brian go through his transplant, it was still unsettling to their two daughters who worried about their father and his health.

On Paul’s birthday, Oct. 28, 2017, he received the call––he had a match. The following day, he underwent transplant surgery.

“I’m so grateful for my chance to live,” said Paul. “This transplant is such a blessing for me and my family.”

Since his transplant, Paul has also welcomed two grandchildren.

The Elliott brothers lost their father in 1974 when he was just 45 years old to what doctors at the time attributed to heart failure. They now believe their father died due to cardiomyopathy. Several Elliott family members have tested positive for cardiomyopathy and have taken steps to manage their health accordingly.

More than 10,000 people across Donor Network West’s service area are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. Learn more about organ, eye and tissue donation here.