by Paul Cardall
Musician, Author, Lecturer

Over 35 years ago, I was born with “half a heart” and grew up at Primary Children’s Medical Center.  Because I consider myself as the oldest baby on the planet, I continue to receive specialized medical care at this hospital.

Every time I go to Primary Children’s, I am deeply affected by the number of severely ill children I see.  They are helpless and hurting, scared, and some are alone.  Having experienced those feelings myself, I know there is not a better place to help these children and their families.  I believe that angels walk the halls of the hospital and provide a comfort that cannot be derived from what is considered traditional medicine.

When I was 13 years old, I suffered from a potentially fatal staph infection in my heart.  I had to be transported to another hospital so that I could have an MRI, a technology that was introduced into Utah six months prior.  The scan helped locate the staph infection and prepare the surgeons, which prolonged my life.  Today, Primary Children’s has two MRI machines at its main campus and one at the outpatient Riverton facility.

I am blessed to receive my care from the staff at Primary Children’s.  I was recently visited in intensive care by a nurse I hadn’t seen since I was 14 years old.  There are many who still work there from when I was young, and they still remember the kids they’ve helped.

As one of their patients, I feel like a black sheep among God’s purest sons and daughters.  When you say your prayers, keep in mind the children at Primary Children’s.  Even though you may not know their names, faces, or stories – it makes a difference.

Paul Cardall is an award-winning pianist, lecturer, and author. He has entertained sold-out audiences and inspired people worldwide.  Born with essentially half-a-heart or a form of congenital heart disease, Cardall was given only days to live but defied medical expectations, enduring surgeries and illnesses throughout his lifetime.  You can learn more about Paul on his website.