My Open-Heart Experience

By Carter Thomas

Illustrations by Adam Nickle

I’m pretty hard-core into athletics, especially basketball. I just like to compete. And that is partly why I had to face an eight-hour open-heart surgery at 14 years old.

I was born with a defect in one of my heart valves. At first, the doctors said I would probably need surgery when I was old—after I retired, maybe. But over time, the problem got worse, largely because of how intensely I play sports.

During one visit in the fall, the doctor said I’d probably need the surgery in the next year or two. In the meantime, I ran cross-country at school. But instead of my running times getting better, they got worse. That’s how I knew there was something really wrong.

We visited the doctor again in March. During the visit, I felt like I should get the surgery even sooner than we had planned. I started to get a warm spiritual feeling inside. That personal revelation brought me some comfort. Suddenly I heard myself saying that I wanted the surgery as soon as possible. My parents were a bit scared at first, but I told them, “I’m at peace. How soon can we do this?” We scheduled the surgery for April.

In hard times, I know Jesus Christ is always there for me. I can always pray to Heavenly Father, and it helps.

I had faith that everything would work out, but the day of the surgery was still scary. It all hit me at once, walking into that room. I remember shaking. My anesthesiologist really helped me in that moment. I’m grateful for all the people who helped me through that whole experience. I also had heavenly help. For example, my entire ward held a fast for me, and I really felt the power of fasting and prayer.

Photograph courtesy of the Thomas family

These days my heart is doing great. If I hadn’t had the surgery, I could have died within two years. Now I have a full life expectancy.

This whole experience has changed my perspective. I see everybody differently as they go through their trials. I feel greater empathy for them. I’ll occasionally see someone and sense that they’re dealing with something tough, and then I go over and help them.

To me, to be a disciple of Jesus Christ really means to be an example to others and treat everyone as He would. We’re all in this together. God is our Father, and we’re His sons and daughters. Everyone has purpose and value. There’s plenty of negativity, so I try to help people smile and be positive.

I testify that I can receive personal guidance from the Lord every day. He can make me stronger as a person and give me resilience. I can do all things through Christ (see Philippians 4:13).