Joy Factor: Father of Heart Donor Watches Recipient Run 10km Marathon

Heart Donor - Running

Joy Factor is a Joytv.ca feature that celebrates moments that will bring a smile to your face! Be it an uplifting news item, a funny viral video, or an instance where good emerges out of bad situation, Joy Factor strives to shine a light on the best this world has to offer.

Not everyone is fortunate to rally back from a serious health issue and lead a healthy, active life. However, Ontario resident John Dickhout can count himself as one of those lucky enough to do so.

As CTV News reports, Dickhout experienced a massive heart attack when in his early 50s. This left him unable to climb stairs, as well as close to death. Eventually, Dickhout would receive a new heart following the untimely death of 22-year-old Adam Prashaw, a registered organ donor, who passed away following a seizure.

Heart Donor - Running

Earlier this month, Dickhout paid tribute to Prashaw by running his first ever 10km marathon. The race was held in Prashaw’s hometown of Kanata, in the presence of the young man’s father.

“I wanted to let my donor family know how much this gift meant to me and my family,” said Dickhout in an interview with CTV News.

Adam’s father, Rick, noted how proud he is of Dickhout for “just living and choosing life.” During the marathon, Rick said it felt like “watching my kid in a hockey game.”

-Adam Grant

You can meet Dickhout and Rick Prashaw in the video below:

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