Patients of Norman Shumway, and Their Families

Catching up on old reading, I have just learned of Dr. Norman Shumway's death this past February. What a terrific doctor. He operated on my father, Arthur Cohn (Stanford '25) in 1969, replacing a defective heart valve. Increasingly condemned to inactivity, my father gained a new lease on life, and lived to be 80, an extra 15 years of good life. He continued to work - something he enjoyed tremendously - until the day he died. He finally got to travel with my mother. He saw both his children married, and met three of his grandchildren. Extraordinary in its ordinariness, my father's many extra years were a gift to family, friends and colleagues. As for Dr. Shumway's apparently famous sense of humor, I remember asking him when he came out of the operating room to tell us that all was well - "how long will a valve like this last?" Shumway's answer? "A lifetime." I laughed then and felt better, and it still makes me smile.
--Marcia Cohn Growdon '67 PhD '76

I was a foreign post-graduate student at Stanford. Dr. Shumway performed open heart surgery on me in December 1962. Since then I've had a full and busy life and I remember him with much gratitude. He and Dr. Tinsley were so welcoming to my parents who came over, no doubt with much trepidation, from London, England; they saw the dogs on which Dr. Shumway was experimenting, and talked about the "sciecne fiction" idea of heart transplants. He touched the lives of many people.

I am thankful to God for Dr. Shumway, as he performed two heart surgeries on my daughter at ages 14 months and 4 years for an A-V canal. She is now nearly 31 years old and is enjoying a full life. How privileged we were to have been referred to Dr. Shumway! I am praying for comfort for his family and friends. He left the world a much better place by saving so many precious lives!

I was also born a blue baby, and when I was 10 years old, this great, great, great Dr. Shumway also performed open heart surgery on me. I remember, I was at the Stanford medical clinic, and it was Christmas 1960 or 1961. I also remember getting lots of presents fom a lot of wonderful people. I am now soon to be 55 years old, and must admit growing up in the '60s and '70s could have put a strain on anyone's heart. He was a great man, a myth and a legend. And for that his legacy will live on forever.

Dr. Shumway's pioneering surgical team performed heart surgery on my sister in the 1960s when she was just 4 years old. Thanks to Dr. Shumway, I have a sister and my daughter has a beloved aunt. We wish our friends Lisa Shumway, Dr. Shumway's stunning redheaded daughter, and Sienna and Sander, Dr. Shumway's beautiful redheaded grandchildren, and all of the Shumway family our deepest condolences at this difficult time.

My 27-year-old wife had an aortic valve replacement in 1997. Her surgeon was Dr. Randall Griepp who was trained under Dr. Norman Shumway. The world owes a huge debt of gratitude to Dr.Shumway for his transformation of cardiac surgery and thereby saving thousands of lives. May his memory be blessed.

Dr. Shumway performed open-heart surgery for my defective mitral valve in 1968, 1969 and 1973. The quality of life I had during my childhood was very good, almost normal. I was able to go to school, able to run and play to a large degree, even though I had severe congestive heart failure that required mulitiple surgeries. I had spent most of my childhood in the hospital at Stanford so many of the doctors became almost sort of a "fatherly figure" to me, and Dr. Shumway, even more so. He always made sure that I knew that there was a solution to my heart problem, that it wouldn't be with me all of my life (I had my defective valve replaced with a mechanical heart valve in 1992). He also encouraged my mother, who was a single parent at the time, telling her to "let him play" (she was a tad overprotective and would yell at me if I would run too hard). From the time I was 6 to my early 30's, he was there. As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, I look forward to seeing Dr. Shumway again, in a paradise where there will be no more heart problems or other illnesses. I'm grateful to Dr. Shumway for the chance at a normal life. My deepest sympathy to his family.

There are few people in our lives that we actually owe our lives to. Dr. Shumway was one of those people. He performed 2 bypass operations on my father during the 1980s that saved his life. He was also present when my Dad had his third bypass operation. During this period my father became very close to Dr. Shumway and although I never met him in person, I and my entire family would like to thank him for giving us our father for many more years than we would have if not for his incredible person.

The Voyvodich family sends our deepest sympathy to Dr. Shumways's family and words cannot fully describe the respect and fondness we all feel for him.

Dr. Shumway is responsible for the full and satisfying life I lead. He performed heart surgery on me in 1961 to correct a congenital defect. I was just 7 at the time. I was lucky enough to see Dr. Shumway for a follow-up when I was 12. I was able to thank him for the gift of life.

He has touched so many live and will continue to do so.

The name Dr Shumway has always been special to me. He performed open heart surgery on my dad when I was 6 years old, in 1972. My dad was a doctor as well, as I remember him having total confidence and regard for Dr Shumway. Because of the surgery, we had an extra, very special, 20 years of my dad's life. When he did pass away, I remember reading letters from his past patients and how wonderful it was to know that he had truly touched people's lives. Please know that I feel the same way about Dr Shumway. When my dad died, my mom shared the following poem with me, I have had it on my refrigerator ever since...

Every year everything I have ever learned
in my lifetime leads back to this: the fires
and the black river of loss whose other side
is salvation, whose meaning none of us will ever know. To live in this world you must be able
to do three things: to love what is mortal; to hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it; and, when the time comes to let it go, to let it go.
(Mary Oliver)

My deepest sympathy for the family. Although I've never met Dr. Shumway, I am truly blessed to have my father, Danilo Oncena, still in my life. After two heart transplants he continues to be my superhero. I am forever grateful for Dr. Shumway, our king of all hearts, will never be forgotten. Thank you

My daughter Patti was born in 1967 with what proved to be an inoperable heart defect which included no true pulmonary arteries. I read in the news that year about the first heart transplant and realized that this was something that could extend my daughter's life. I followed Dr. Shumway's career since that time and moved to the bay area in 1988.

Patti's condition gradually deteriorated and in 1999 she was placed on the waiting list for a heart-lung transplant. During the 16-month wait for organs, she experienced several small heart attacks. In October 2000, Patti received the call from Stanford that they had organs for her and the transplant was done by Dr. Robbins.

Before the transplant Patti became exhausted just getting dressed in the morning, and two years after her transplant, she walked and jogged the 26-mile Maui Marathon to benefit the Lukemia & Lymphoma Society. Since the surgery, she has had over 5 years of a full life, doing things she was never able to do in all her life before the transplant.

I know that my daughter is alive today because of the perseverance of Dr. Shumway with his research. I appreciate him more than I can express. His life's work has given patients like my daughter Patti the ability to have more years on this earth doing things that were impossible before the transplant.

I was at the Reunion Party in early 2003 and had the opportunity that evening to photograph Patti standing between Dr. Shumway and Dr. James Theodore (who had been Patti's doctor for 18 years). I treasure that photo more than any other.

I am deeply saddened by the news of Dr. Shumway's death. He holds a very special place in my heart that functions because of him and the grace of God. In 1972 my pediatric cardiologist, Dr. Marvin Auerback, was playing tennis with Dr. Shumway and asked if he would be willing to take a look at a young girl with Transposition of the Great Arteries. Dr. Shumway took a chance on me and performed what would become life-saving cardiac surgery. I have wonderfully fond memories of his gentle, humorous spririt and of him playing with my "Mrs. Beasley" doll everytime he came to see me. I am grateful for his tenacity and for not giving up when my prognosis did not look so good. I now serve as a hospital chaplain and teach in a program that trains chaplains. My work is profoundly motivated by my experience at Stanford and Dr. Shumway. May God Bless him and keep him. - Susan ("Susie")

Posted by: Susan Roberts , February 14, 2006 04:46 PM

I was 17 months old when Dr. Shumway repaired my congenital heart defect. I weighed 10 pounds in November 1980 when he repaired my truncus arteriosis type 1 defect. My cardiologist recommended him since he had more experience on children with this type of defect. I have had two more heart surgeries since then and consider myself very fortunate to have been his patient. My parents remind me to this day how wonderful Dr. Shumway and Dr. Reitz were to me and my family. We are saddened by his passing and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. God bless.

I was born a "blue baby" with a microatrial/no tricuspid valve in 1967 and was not expected to live more than 6 months. In 1973 I was suffering from heart failure and had spent most of that year in and out of the hospital. I was in desperate need of a second open heart surgery and making the situation more difficult was that I lived in Honolulu, Hawaii. I was fortunate to have my operation performed by Dr. Shumway. He was a genius because none of my cardiologists knew that my heart had no tricuspid valve and Dr. Shumway would discover this during the operation, and he fashioned one out of existing cartilage that lasted for 12 years. My third operation at the age of 18 required the placement of a pig valve for the tricuspid which has worked great for 20 years. I will miss Dr. Shumway so much. His bedside manners were so warm and affectionate and he really made you feel comfortable and confident before and after the operation. One of my fondest memories of Dr. Shumway was post-op when I was 18 and I was in so much pain and he came to check up on me and he asks how I was doing and then he answers his own question with a smile by saying, "I know you feel like crap," and that summed it up. Thanks to his hard work I have lived a full and meaningful life. Thank you Dr Shumway for your humor, your warmth, your intelligence and your willingness to take risks and in writing this piece I realize how sad it is for me to say goodbye.

We are truly blessed to have know Dr. Shumway and it saddens us to hear that he has passed away. I have so much gratitude and appreciation for him and his work. Words just don't describe my thoughts. In 1974, we were blessed to have a little girl but at the age of 8 months was diagnosed with a hole in the upper part of her heart along with clefts in one valve. Dr. Shumway performed surgery on her at 13 months old and saved her life. Over the next 10+ years he watched over her and I had the pleasure of getting to know this man and his great gift, and his gentleness.

To his family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. He deeply touched us in so many ways over the years. He will never be forgotten! Marilyn Suess

My deepest sympathy for the family. Although I've never met Dr. Shumway, I am truly blessed to have my father, Danilo Oncena, still in my life. After two heart transplants he continues to be my superhero. I am forever grateful for Dr. Shumway's perservance, drive and expertise. Dr. Shumway, our king of all hearts, will never be forgotten. Thank you!

I was only 7 yrs. old,in 1967 when Dr. Shumway performed open heart surgery on me. It was a big deal back then and only a few surgeons in the world would even attempt to open the chest of someone so young, but I'm greatful he did. Without the fine work of Dr.Shumway 38 years ago, I would have only lived to my teens. I only wish I could have thanked him in person before he passed. Thank you...Wade Lahr
Wade Lahr (Grass Valley, CA )

i have dr. shumway to thank for being able to say i have spent the last 22 1/2 years with my hubby. john was transplanted at stanford sept 21 1983, # 279. At that time transplants were given 18 months to 2 years. if dr. shumway had not contiuned research in this field my husband would not be by my side as i am writing this note. THANK YOU for all you have done and for my husband's and our wonderful life together.

In 1974 when I was 7 years old I was blessed to have surgery by Dr. Shumway. I was born a blue baby and Dr. Shumway performed open heart surgery to save my life. Without the surgery I would not be alive today. Since my time spent at Stanford and remembering Dr. Shumway I wanted to work at Stanford and touch peoples lives like Dr. Shumway touched mine. I am proud to say I am currently a nurse working at Stanford. I was also fortunate to meet him again a few years ago. Some of my incredible fellow nurses and doctors learned about my story and arranged a meeting so I could visit with Dr. Shumway. As only Dr. Shumway could do he remembered everything about me, my family, and the surgery he performed on me. I thanked him for giving me life. We had a pleasant visit and I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to thank him and let him know that he is forever in mine and my families prayers. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dr.Shumway's family and friends during this difficult time.

My first Stanford visit was at the age of 4 months. I was born with a congenital heart defect, Tricuspid Atresia with Transposition of the Great Vessels. Dr Shumway and his team performed surgery and kept me alive to eventually perform the banding of the pulminary artery and then subsequently the Fontan Procedure. I am extremely grateful for his intervention in my life. Without him I would not be here today. I will always love him as a member of my family.

My father had heart valve replacement twice at Stanford - in 1992 and 2001. He chose Stanford because of its cardiac surgery reputation - a legacy of Dr. Shumway for sure. Many thanks to Dr. Shumway for his contribution to Stanford Hospital and School of Medicine...and all the other medical staff who continue to work miracles every day.

I was born in 1958 with tetralogy of fallot. I presume I was one of the "guinea pigs" of the Blalock procedure, which Dr. Shumway performed on me when in the early 60's. I vividly recall the first time I met Dr. Shumway - I was with my parents, waiting what seemed a long ime in a chilly examination room. Dr. Shumway flew in the door, and my little kid sensors went into action to evaluate this tall adult. Immediately, I liked Norm Shumway, felt totally confident in his care, but felt sorry for him because he looked so tired! The open heart surgery was virtually painless for me - the entire Stanford Medical Center experience was actually rather fun for a 6 year old! Many years later, I was participating in a 90 minute "aerobathon" at my gym, frequently praying thanks to Dr. Shumway for making that possible. Now, in my late forties, I suffer from another inherited defect - severe clinical depression. Besides the love of my 5 wonderful siblings, the realization that Dr. Shumway intervened to save my life deters me from wanting to end it. My 80 year-old mother died a few months ago. I know she'll approach Dr. Shumway in heaven to give him a kiss of gratitude.

I had sugery done by Dr. Shumway in a series of heart sugery in 1966, 1974 and 1976 to repair a congential heart defect. Today, I am still doing well with no problems and leading a normal life. I am very greatful to him and wish I could have been able to thank him personally how greatful I am. Thanks again.

I was born in 1962 with a heart defect called tetralogy of Fallot. Dr. Shumway performed a Blalock surgery (now no longer done) on me when I was four, and when I was 10 he performed open heart surgery to correct the defect. I have been fine ever since!

He was such a genius, and such a kind, unassuming man. One of the hospital volunteers told me that one day one of the pillar ashtrays in the hallway (yes, there used to be ashtrays in the hospital hallways!), had fallen over and spilled its contents. She saw Dr. Shumway walk past, and to her astonishment, he stopped, stooped over, and cleaned up the mess before continuing down the hall.

In 1963 I was 5 years old when I first met Dr. Shumway. He repaired deformed heart valves and a hole in my heart. Today, I am 47 years old and leading a wonderful and happy life. All of this would not be possible without Dr. Shumway's expertise and dedication. It amazing that I can still remember his face and his confidence and "rest-assuredness" at age 5. I realize that I'm just one story of thousands, but when I heard of his passing I became teary eyed. Were it not for Dr. Shumay, I would not have enjoyed all the wonderful things my life has brought to me. Thank you Dr. Shumway!

I was a patient of Dr. Shumway in 1987 when he performed open heart surgery on me due to a congenital heart defect. I was 7 at the time. After the surgery, a day or so later, he stopped by my room to do a quick hello. I asked him if he wanted to play my toy slotmachine game, which he did. But when he did a head popped up and squirted his tie with a little water. He smiled and laughed, brightening a young boy's day and hospital visit. I am ever appreciative of the work he has done for my-self and that of others. I more than likely wouldn't be alive today had he not chosen medicine. My thoughts are with Dr. Shumway's family at this difficult time. Thank you for everything. ~ eric

My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Shumway's family and friends. I am a Stanford employee. In 1976, Dr. Shumway performed by-pass surgery on my dad. I'm thankful to Dr. Shumway for giving my dad and our family another 20 years together. Sue Dutra