Third HIV-positive heart transplant in U.S. originates at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital

Zack Pate lived life out loud. His sister, Ashleigh Blankenship, remembers him fondly as brash and funny. “He could always make you laugh,” she recalled. “He was not just unique, in the usual sense, he was THE person.”

Zack, 29, had been carefully managing HIV since he was diagnosed a decade ago. He was meticulous about his health, Ashleigh said, including his diet. “The man ate brussels sprouts every day with every meal.” He had a strict skin care regimen and always wore sunscreen. He idolized Lady Gaga, a champion for kids who, like Zack, suffered bullying in school. “He gave up the cello because of that,” Ashleigh said, “but we’re proud of him, that he fought so hard to do better.”

Zack’s life was also marked by mental illness. Unfortunately, he took his own life this summer, Ashleigh said.

Zack was in the neuro intensive care unit (ICU) at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital when his family chose to withdraw artificial support and allow LifeNet Health, the Virginia Beach, Va.-based organ procurement organization, to find some grace and hope in the tragedy of Zack’s death.

As his care team rolled Zack’s bed from the ICU to the operating room for organ recovery, hospital staff formed an honor walk, lining the hallways in silent respect for the priceless gifts Zack was about to bestow to those in dire need. His sisters Ashleigh, Taylor Goodwin, and Madison Tye; his stepfather Donald Tye; and extended family followed to the strains of “Afterglow” by Wilkinson, which played on a nurse’s smartphone.

A red line on the floor marks the entry to the sterile area. The procession stopped, a chaplain said a prayer, and there was a moment of silence as the family laid hands on Zack one last time. Then, the recovery team took him away for his final act of kindness.

Zack was donating organs through the HOPE Act, which established a research program allowing donors with well-managed HIV to give organs to recipients with HIV, including living kidney donations. Since 2013, the HOPE Act has provided organizations like LifeNet Health and Sentara the ability to expand transplantation possibilities for people with HIV—paving the way for more equitable solutions and saving more lives.

“This is very special for the HIV community,” said Sonya Rymaruk a transplant coordinator with LifeNet Health who joined Zack’s family in the honor walk. “Just a few years ago, this would not have been possible, and the fact that this is the third heart to be transplanted under the HOPE Act is just miraculous.”

Zack is only the third person in the U.S. with HIV to donate his heart through the HOPE Act. He met clinical criteria for transplant at a handful of centers authorized to implant organs and track patient outcomes, realizing the promise of the hallmark legislation that offers hope and healing to those in need.

“He was always trying to help someone,” Ashleigh said. “This is the kind of person Zack was. He was eccentric, striking, and loved beyond measure.”