The Challenge of a Lifetime: Delta Police Sergeant Ray Athwal’s Wait for a New Heart

Sergeant Ray Athwal joins Chief Neil Dubord on this week’s episode of Bend Don’t Break. Ray Athwal is 49, married for 23 years, and has two teenage boys. Professionally, he has spent 19 years with DBD. Ray enjoys spending his days motorcycling, socializing with friends and family, and accompanying his children to their hockey and lacrosse games.   On the fateful day of May 8th, 2016; mother’s day, his and his family’s lives were changed forever. His wife suffered a major heart attack that developed into heart failure, leading to many surgeries and a wait for a new heart. With her rare blood-type and the many ups and downs that come with waiting on any kind of transplant, their journey was not an easy one.   In this episode, Ray talks about the challenges they faced together as a family and how he helped support his wife, children, and himself in trying times. This is a story of perseverance, resiliency, family, support, hope, and love.   Key Takeaways: [:45] Ray talks about his motorcycling hobby and the recent trips he’s made. [2:18] Ray begins telling the story of the biggest challenge in his life thus far. [7:58] Ray continues his story, meeting up with his wife at the hospital and hearing about the full breadth of damage. [15:19] Recognizing her heart attack as heart failure, Ray’s wife began to get proper treatment. However, with her blood-type being very difficult to match, more struggles arose. [16:21] Ray speaks about what happened within his family once they found out she needed a heart transplant. [18:54] Waiting for a donor; Ray talks about home life, work, and how he managed his stress during this time. [21:17] Ray talks about how work was going at this time and how he felt supported. [22:36] Continuing his story, Ray explains their game plan and the recent development of a ventricular assist device being implanted in his wife’s heart. [23:47] Ray elaborates on the donor drive he started in support for his wife. [26:05] Chief Neil Dubord highlights important aspects and lessons from Ray’s journey. [27:27] Ray continues his story about the donor drive and the outcome of it. [28:18] Ray talks about the ups and downs of their journey and their experience with getting their hopes up with their first offer of a heart transplant. [30:48] About Ray’s wife finally receiving the heart she needed. [32:06] Post-transplant, Ray talks about the recovery stages of his wife receiving her heart. [34:58] Ray speaks about the current situation and how his wife is doing now. [36:08] How Ray managed to keep his spirits up and the spirits of his family up during this time. [37:36] Aaron Hill joins the podcast and gives some feedback on how Ray and his situations relate. [39:05] Ray’s final thoughts for today’s show. [39:41] Chief Neil Dubord highlights key takeaways from this week’s episode. [40:35] A few last-minute, hard-hitting questions for Ray: “What’s your favourite movie?” “...Favourite book?” and, “What’d you have for breakfast?”   Mentioned in this Episode: Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Training Day (Film, 2001) Fear: Trump in the White House, by Bob Woodward A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership, by James Comey   Looking for More Episodes? You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.   Connect with the Delta Police Department: Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.