Bassit Nawaz’s life took an unexpected turn just before his 21st birthday.

On a camping trip with friends, Bassit began to feel nauseous and sick. His symptoms didn’t subside at home. On his birthday, he couldn’t even keep down the cake his mother made for him. Doctor’s first diagnosed him with various gastric and digestive issues. But Bassit’s continual fatigue and nausea eventually led to the truth: dilated cardiomyopathy.

The left ventricle of Bassit’s heart was inflamed. By the time he was diagnosed, it was functioning at only six percent. The health team suspected he had been in heart failure for months. Thanks to his young age and high fitness level, his body had been compensating well. With the help of medications, Bassit returned to his regular hobbies including sports and the gym. But his journey soon took a sudden and critical turn.

“My Mom noticed one day my lips were a little blue. She insisted I go to the hospital even though I felt fine. My dad dropped me off at the emergency department, and he asked, ‘Do you want me to stay?’ I was like, no, I’m fine. Then, when I was waiting in emergency, it all kind of went crazy.

“I remember checking into the waiting room, and it was busy. Then, one of the nurses asked me to come with her. I thought, ‘Wow, they’re already calling me?’ But she had seen the signs I was about to go into cardiogenic shock.

“I walked back to a small room, they got me in bed, and then I blacked out. When I came to, they were wrapping me in blankets and calling my name, and I looked over and saw my uncle and my dad.”

Bassit had suffered a cardiac arrest.

He couldn’t wait any longer. The doctors decided to implant a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) as a bridge to a heart transplant.

The next year presented a storm of unknowns. Bassit waited for a transplant he didn’t know for certain would come. The LVAD keeping him alive was a constant reminder of how fragile and uncertain things were. Bassit’s life now revolved around batteries, cleaning tubes, and waiting for the call that could change his life. For months, he battled with a loss of confidence and depression.

“I was nervous about going in public with the LVAD. I wanted to find ways to hide the device. The first couple of months were hard for me. Then I said — you know, forget it. At that point, I thought I’d have the LVAD for several years, and I had to get used to it.” Bassit went out and got himself a Lululemon bag to carry his LVAD. He returned to the gym, surprising the trainers and regulars with his battery-powered heart and inspiring determination.

The life-changing call finally came on May 21st, 2019, days before Bassit’s next birthday.

The outcome was nothing short of a miracle. After his transplant, Bassit woke feeling refreshed, energized and truly alive for the first time in a long while. “I wanted to jump out of bed. I felt so good even two days after the surgery. It was such a surreal and emotional moment for me.”

Bassit’s amazing recovery led his entire family to become organ donors. “When someone you know and love goes through that experience—it changes you.”

Bassit’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, positivity, and exceptional medical care. After his cardiac arrest, he was transferred to the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute (MAZ). The MAZ quickly felt like a second home. The dedication and compassion of his healthcare team including the nurses, doctors, and specialists, made him feel safe even during challenging periods in his recovery. His entire family felt a sense of confidence knowing Bassit was where he needed to be, with the professionals around him to help.

Reflecting on an episode of rejection, Bassit credits his smartwatch and the responsive team at the MAZ for continually having his back. He was able to take an EKG file from his watch and email it to his team at the MAZ. The swift response from the transplant team led to a full recovery.

Life after the heart transplant has brought its share of ups and downs, likened to a roller coaster. Yet, Bassit’s positive outlook shines through. Now 27 years old, he’s looking forward to returning to the gym and dreaming of travelling. As he envisions conquering the Stairway to Heaven in Hawaii, Bassit recognizes the MAZ as the foundation of his renewed life. The compassionate care, advanced technology and supportive team not only mended his physical health, but empowered him to dream, explore and savour the magic of life once again.

“I definitely think having these two major surgeries has changed me,” says Bassit. “I’ve gone from being a quiet, kind of shy kid to being able to share my story. I feel honoured to get to share. To make sure people know, no matter what you’re suffering from, even advanced heart failure—you don’t have to let depression win. You can take it day by day, live life, and enjoy it. You can overcome this obstacle.”