From Smitty: 12-28- 2018(William C. Smith, Retired SAPD)
As I write this brother Rick Garro is lying in a surgical suite at Austin's main Seaton Hospital while a large team of surgeons are transplanting a new heart into his body. He received THE call at his home in San Angelo yesterday evening that he had been waiting over a year for and insisted on driving himself to the hospital, since Airlife was grounded due to severe weather. I know that he can drive faster than any ambulance and had a couple of deep talks with him along the 200 mile trek. I already knew that God's plan and Rick's great spirit has gotten him to this chapter, and he is very well prepared for any eventuality that lies ahead. Karen and I spent some time on our knees last night knowing that he made it safely, and plan to hit the road for Austin this morning to be by his side. I'll keep you posted here and his wife Billie will likewise post on her page. God is good.
Just got the greatest news from Billie Garro...Rick's surgery has been completed and he now has his new heart beating away inside of him. The surgeon said that the procedure went very well with no surprises and has a very positive prognosis going forward....after all, Rick has been somewhat of a poster child for the Austin transplant program...and they all love him. He will be taken to an ICU room in a couple hours and most likely be unconscious until sometime later today. He can now begin another journey of healing and rehabilitation that will take several months and a lot of effort...all of which I know he will conquer, as he has already done to get to this moment. Many prayers have been offered up to help insure that God's plans for him will prevail, and I can tell you firsthand that Rick and Billie are so very grateful for such tremendous support from so many dear friends and family. I think that we can now have a restful sleep knowing that all is well. God is awesome. Good night.
Update from Smitty, 12-31- 2018
Quick update on Rick...I just talked with him and learned that due to some problem on the donor side (he joked that it was an Uber delay) , they had to postpone the transplant til 5 PM today. He has now been waiting for 14 hours, but remains in great spirits. Looks like they will be working on him thru the stroke of 2019...a pretty nice way to ring in the New Year (hope the docs postpone any libations), although he will be out of it for a couple days. Will keep ya posted...
Current Update on Brother Rick Garro, 01-02-2019
Just spoke with Rick's wife Billie and her daughter Roxanne, who reported from his bedside that he is doing well but still pretty much in a twilight state, as the powerful drugs slowly dissipate from his body. Rick now has a real heartbeat to replace the hum of his LVAD heart pump...So very awesome. The Docs are very positive, since his heart rate and blood pressure are doing well as the best indicator of the transplant itself; and his kidneys are slowly coming back as they filter all the meds that he has been infused with. No visitors yet, but we are awaiting the green light when Rick gains enough strength to socialize without draining his precious energy, which may take some time. Then...road trip to Seton Hospital in Austin. Billie is holding up well with her daughter at her side...what angels they are. I'll keep y'all posted, as prayers are still important.
William C. Smith, Retired SAPD
San Antonio, Texas 78260
I met Rick a few times on different occasions. He was on the SAPD until the late 70’s. He went to Rope unit as a patrolman. Made DI and worked Narc’s. He left, not retired, the PD and went to work with DEA along with Little Joe Losoya. Always kept in touch with the PD guys, parties, cookouts, weddings, etc.
Retired from DEA went to live in Sanderson, Tx. On a ranch he bought. Many of the guys stayed at his home on the way to Big Bend, I did. His door was always open to any LE that came by.
Armando Ynostrosa
Expressions Designs @ Code Blue Police Supply
210-823-7769
Update Jan 06, 2019
Rick Garro is starting to stroll the hall ways. Great milestone, and how wonderful the past 48 hours has been for him. Now that he can begin eating solid food, we should see many of the myriad of connecting tubes and wires become unnecessary. His awesome spirit will continue to strengthen him in the long weeks and months ahead, 'til he becomes untethered and free. Blessings Abound.
William C. Smith, Retired SAPD
San Antonio, Texas 78260
As I write this brother Rick Garro is lying in a surgical suite at Austin's main Seaton Hospital while a large team of surgeons are transplanting a new heart into his body. He received THE call at his home in San Angelo yesterday evening that he had been waiting over a year for and insisted on driving himself to the hospital, since Airlife was grounded due to severe weather. I know that he can drive faster than any ambulance and had a couple of deep talks with him along the 200 mile trek. I already knew that God's plan and Rick's great spirit has gotten him to this chapter, and he is very well prepared for any eventuality that lies ahead. Karen and I spent some time on our knees last night knowing that he made it safely, and plan to hit the road for Austin this morning to be by his side. I'll keep you posted here and his wife Billie will likewise post on her page. God is good.
Just got the greatest news from Billie Garro...Rick's surgery has been completed and he now has his new heart beating away inside of him. The surgeon said that the procedure went very well with no surprises and has a very positive prognosis going forward....after all, Rick has been somewhat of a poster child for the Austin transplant program...and they all love him. He will be taken to an ICU room in a couple hours and most likely be unconscious until sometime later today. He can now begin another journey of healing and rehabilitation that will take several months and a lot of effort...all of which I know he will conquer, as he has already done to get to this moment. Many prayers have been offered up to help insure that God's plans for him will prevail, and I can tell you firsthand that Rick and Billie are so very grateful for such tremendous support from so many dear friends and family. I think that we can now have a restful sleep knowing that all is well. God is awesome. Good night.
Update from Smitty, 12-31- 2018
Quick update on Rick...I just talked with him and learned that due to some problem on the donor side (he joked that it was an Uber delay) , they had to postpone the transplant til 5 PM today. He has now been waiting for 14 hours, but remains in great spirits. Looks like they will be working on him thru the stroke of 2019...a pretty nice way to ring in the New Year (hope the docs postpone any libations), although he will be out of it for a couple days. Will keep ya posted...
Current Update on Brother Rick Garro, 01-02-2019
Just spoke with Rick's wife Billie and her daughter Roxanne, who reported from his bedside that he is doing well but still pretty much in a twilight state, as the powerful drugs slowly dissipate from his body. Rick now has a real heartbeat to replace the hum of his LVAD heart pump...So very awesome. The Docs are very positive, since his heart rate and blood pressure are doing well as the best indicator of the transplant itself; and his kidneys are slowly coming back as they filter all the meds that he has been infused with. No visitors yet, but we are awaiting the green light when Rick gains enough strength to socialize without draining his precious energy, which may take some time. Then...road trip to Seton Hospital in Austin. Billie is holding up well with her daughter at her side...what angels they are. I'll keep y'all posted, as prayers are still important.
William C. Smith, Retired SAPD
San Antonio, Texas 78260
I met Rick a few times on different occasions. He was on the SAPD until the late 70’s. He went to Rope unit as a patrolman. Made DI and worked Narc’s. He left, not retired, the PD and went to work with DEA along with Little Joe Losoya. Always kept in touch with the PD guys, parties, cookouts, weddings, etc.
Retired from DEA went to live in Sanderson, Tx. On a ranch he bought. Many of the guys stayed at his home on the way to Big Bend, I did. His door was always open to any LE that came by.
Armando Ynostrosa
Expressions Designs @ Code Blue Police Supply
210-823-7769
Update Jan 06, 2019
Rick Garro is starting to stroll the hall ways. Great milestone, and how wonderful the past 48 hours has been for him. Now that he can begin eating solid food, we should see many of the myriad of connecting tubes and wires become unnecessary. His awesome spirit will continue to strengthen him in the long weeks and months ahead, 'til he becomes untethered and free. Blessings Abound.
William C. Smith, Retired SAPD
San Antonio, Texas 78260