Owner of Hanover Peaches gets his life back after dual heart and kidney transplant
Patient credits supportive care team at VCU Health Hume-Lee Transplant Center for helping him to recover so quickly.
September 16, 2024
Brian Campbell received a heart and kidney transplant at VCU Health Hume-Lee Transplant Center (Sherilyn Smail, Enterprise Marketing and Communications).
By Caroline Ward
Brian Campbell was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy over 10 years ago, eventually leading to congestive heart failure followed by the need for a pacemaker. By late 2023, his health was rapidly declining, and he was admitted to VCU Health Hume-Lee Transplant Center in December. Within weeks, Brian received a heart and kidney transplant that gave him his life back.
“Just ten days after the transplant surgeries, I was ready to go back home. I walked out of the hospital on a Wednesday, and by Saturday, I bought a red Corvette,” he recalled, noting that he couldn’t drive it just yet, but it was certainly motivating. “The next day, I was walking around a car show like nothing had ever happened. Now, [roughly six months later], I feel like I never even had the surgeries.”
In addition to the medical team, Brian recognizes his incredible family for supporting him inside and outside of the hospital. He credits his son, in particular, as the reason the family’s orchard, Hanover Peaches, is open this season. Jack temporarily managed the business after Brian’s dual transplant surgery so he could focus solely on recovery.
In March 2024, Brian celebrated his birthday and successful transplant surgery at Rosie Connolly’s in Richmond with friends and family. Rosie’s is one of his favorite restaurant, and he could see the club from his hospital room (Contributed photo).
When asked the key things he attributes to his successful transplant surgeries, Brian said a patient should “have faith, have a positive attitude, and be compliant" with everything your medical team recommends.
“The planning and care I received from the team at Hume-Lee was fantastic,” he said. “Everyone was super friendly and supportive, making the entire recovery process so easy for me. Even the custodians who came into clean were encouraging and kind, telling me, ‘You look great today!’
“Initially, I chose VCU Health because it was close to home,” Brian added. “But after my experience, I can say without hesitation – even if you’re 100 miles away, go to VCU Health. You won’t find better care in the country – as far as I’m concerned, they’re the best."
