From Heart Transplant to Running for Mayor

In January of 2024, 50-year-old Chad Gluss went into cardiac arrest in the best possible place: a room full of pre-med students with an instructor trained in CPR.

Chad had been teaching the class on splinting and immobilization at Oberlin College, with another instructor – a fireman from Parma. Chad himself was a fireman and fire chief in Olmsted Falls until heart issues forced him to retire.

“I had heart problems for a long time,” he said. “I had a defibrillator implanted previously and during this incident it shocked me 32 times, all while my friend and teaching partner performed life-saving CPR.”

Chad was rushed to the nearest hospital and eventually transferred to University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, where he learned he had congestive heart failure.

“My heart wasn’t pumping appropriately, which led to electrical issues,” he said.

Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. This can lead to a buildup of fluid in the lungs and other parts of the body, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, rapid or irregular heartbeat, weight gain and swelling.

“Heart failure can cause or worsen arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats,” said Dr. Michael Zacharias, Chad’s cardiologist with UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute. “These arrhythmias can disrupt the heart's electrical system and lead to sudden cardiac arrest, which is what we suspect happened in Chad’s case.”

Dr. Zacharias broke some tough news to Chad when he woke up in the hospital.

“He told me, ‘You need a whole new heart,’” said Chad.

Chad began the long wait for that new heart. Because of his condition, he couldn’t go home. He had to stay in the hospital, which was difficult for the husband and father of three.

“I was physically away from my home, but truly it was like a family at UH,” said Chad. “They were nothing but a great team.”

Over his six-month-long stay on “Seidman 7, bed 14” – referring to floor seven of UH Seidman Cancer Center, where heart transplant patients await new hearts – Chad made friends with nurses, therapists, doctors, environmental staff and the caregivers who delivered his meals.

“Chad’s attitude was so positive during such a difficult time,” said Dr. Zacharias. “Everyone at UH loved working with him. He kept us upbeat and positive, which says a lot about the person he is.”

On June 11, 2024, doctors informed Chad they had a match, and he’d be undergoing a heart transplant that day.

Since then, the road back to a new normal has been a journey, but well worth it. In the year following his transplant, Chad attended his daughter's wedding and also decided to run for mayor of Olmsted Falls.

“I’m grateful every day for the experience I went through,” he said. “I got to meet so many wonderful people and create new friendships, and now I’m here with my family and contributing to my community. I have a lot to look forward to in the future thanks to all of those who helped me along the way.”

Chad continues to be monitored by his cardiologists and must take medication for the rest of his life, but his life expectancy is that of a typical person thanks to this gift of life.