After developing pneumonia in 1996, Deacon Steven Sabb’s heart became irreversibly damaged. Doctors told him that his heart was enlarged and that he only had a few years to live unless he received a heart transplant.
For six years after, he was blessed with good health and led the True Gospel Tabernacle Family Church in South Philadelphia. And then, everything changed. His health began to fail significantly and he lost nearly 60 pounds in one month. Although he was listed for a heart transplant, he had to wait. Unfortunately, due to the fact that there are not enough organs available for transplant, 22 people die in day in the U.S. while waiting, which was a frightening prospect for Deacon Sabb. Then, something miraculous happened. He received a phone call that saved his life – there was a heart available for him.
“It’s a miracle that I’m still here.” said Deacon Sabb. “Thank God, my new heart is strong and I’m doing well. Since my transplant, I have so much energy that it feels like I’m back in high school. Before my transplant, I was so weak. I just wanted to give up. My congregation and family prayed for me every day. That really lifted my spirits and helped me to keep going.”
Deacon Sabb’s faith in both God and organ and tissue donation will come together in November during National Donor Sabbath, in the second week of November. Observed annually, NDS seeks to educate faith-based communities about the need for organ, eye and tissue donors. This national initiative partners with faith leaders, houses of worship and faith-based organizations to educate its congregations about the critical need for donors.
Deacon Sabb has spoken throughout the region in support of organ and tissue donation. “I think it’s important to share my story. People know me in the community, and hearing about me getting my heart and how it saved my life makes them think differently and consider donation. When people register after I speak with them, it makes me feel like I’ve done my job to honor my donor.” he said.
One of the most common misconceptions about registering as an organ donor is that one’s religion does not support it. In fact, all major religions support organ donation. Unfortunately today, there are still many untrue myths that prevent individuals from registering. Sadly, there are nearly 5,300 people in our region and more than 115,000 nationally who are waiting. No final act is more heartfelt or caring than donating ones’ organs. It shows an individual’s compassion for others, and can change lives forever.