Howard "Howie" Cohen was born June 16th, 1972.  His right ventricle did not develop.  Due to poor blood flow from this defect, Howie suffered some brain damage that hindered him mentally.

First open-heart surgery was performed when he was 17 days old.  This was to help the blood flow & repair holes in his heart.

Second open-heart surgery was performed when he was 10 years old. 

Third open-heart surgery (called the Fontan procedure) was performed when Howie was 17 years old.

At 19, Howie had two 14 inch rods placed in his back to correct scoliosis.

On February 20th, 2011, Howie had a heart transplant at Shands Hospital in Gainesville.

When Howie was a child, my parents were told he would not live to 21.  Not only did he outlive his life expectancy, he surprised the transplant doctors.  They did not expect Howie to survive through the surgery.  Howie did spend 105 days in the hospital due to infections.

On January 2nd, 2014, Howie passed away.  His aorta fused to the small intestine and ruptured.  He even fought as best he could to overcome this.  The doctors thought it was an ulcer because once the aorta ruptures, people usually pass quickly.  Howie hung on for 12 hours.

For the first time in Howie's life, he had a normal heart beat.  We went for a walk and he had to stop.  I asked him if he was out of breath.  He said for the time in his life he can walk a distance without being out of breath.  His legs were tired because he wasn't use to walking so far.

Although, Howie didn't work (due to his physical and mental limitations) but volunteered his time.  He spent 20 years volunteering at an elementary school.  He would dress up as Santa, the Easter Bunny and as a clown for the kids.

He began to volunteer at Miami Children's Hospital a month before he passed.  He was so excited.

Howie also volunteered at the synagogue's Sunday School and Youth Group.

He really took joy in seeing children do the things he couldn't do as child.  He is remembered for being optimistic, a fighter and a caring person.  With all the medical issues he faced, Howie was pretty positive.  He is really missed.

Howie's first time using Angel Flight he was really nervous.  He had never flown in a plane so small.  After that, he was a pro.  All the pilots have been great and made him feel comfortable.  We could not be more grateful for Angel Flight.  You and Kathy have so helpful.

Thanks again,

Janet Cohen (Howie's Sister)