Pastor Survives Cardiac Arrest, Receives Heart and Kidney Transplants After Rare Disease Diagnosis

Kelvis Reid, a pastor who had recently learned he had AL amyloidosis, suffered a major cardiac arrest while preparing Christmas presents with his family, after feeling a burning chest pain. His family's CPR training, taught by cardio-oncology director Amar Parikh, saved his life, but he remained unconscious for several weeks and continued to endure heart attacks while on life support and dialysis. Medical staff initiated treatment for the amyloidosis and advocated for a combined heart-kidney transplant, noting his relatively young physiological age despite being 65.

On February 10, 2024, Reid received a heart transplant, followed by a kidney transplant the next day, and was discharged home eight days later. His recovery involved intensive rehabilitation, a heavy medication regimen, and a period of isolation due to immunosuppression, but he eventually reduced his pills and resumed preaching, urging others to seek medical attention for concerning symptoms.