Former NBA champion and 'Survivor' contestant Scot Pollard successfully underwent a heart transplant procedure, as confirmed by his wife Dawn Pollard on social media. The surgery, which took place on Friday night, was deemed a success, with Dawn sharing the joyous news that Scot now has a new heart. The post expressed gratitude for the prayers and support received, with a special acknowledgment to the donor and their family, whom she referred to as heroes for their life-saving gift.
Pollard, who recently turned 49, faced the necessity of a heart transplant due to heart damage caused by a virus he contracted in 2021. This virus was believed to have triggered a genetic condition that had already claimed the life of his father at a young age. Pollard's physical stature, standing at 6-foot-11 and weighing 260 pounds, added complexity to the search for a suitable heart donor that could accommodate his size.
Earlier on the same day, Dawn shared the anticipation of the upcoming surgery when a matching heart had been found. Demonstrating resilience and hope, her post requested continued prayers for Scot, the medical team, and expressed gratitude towards the donor and their family for their altruistic act of giving life.
With a career that spanned over 11 years in the NBA, including stints with five different teams, Pollard experienced both challenges and triumphs on the basketball court. Notably, he played a role in the Cleveland Cavaliers' NBA Finals appearance in 2007 and later clinched an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in the following season despite facing an ankle injury that cut his season short.
Following his retirement from professional basketball, Pollard explored ventures in broadcasting and acting before delving into reality television as a contestant on 'Survivor.' In the 32nd season of the show, he demonstrated his competitive spirit before being voted out on Day 27. More recently, Pollard went public with his health condition, leading to his placement on the transplant list and subsequent admission to intensive care at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, determined to wait for the critical heart transplant.
Through his journey, Pollard's resilience and openness about his health struggles have touched the hearts of many. As he embarks on the path to recovery post-surgery, the outpouring of love and support continues, showcasing the unwavering spirit of the NBA champion and 'Survivor' alum Scot Pollard.
