Rahn Bentley's journey from hospital bed to hospitality during Thanksgiving

The Grand Rapids Press | Nate Reens

Photo: Cory Morse | Grand Rapids Press

GRAND RAPIDS – In the year since Rahn Bentley was the first heart transplant recipient in the Spectrum Health system, the Kentwood resident has returned to golfing, swimming and walking, to “being me again.”

“I'm still living day by day and getting the most out of everything,” Bentley said today at the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center. “It's a whole new day every day and I'm lucky enough to be here enjoying it.”

Bentley, 51, is one of 11 to undergo the procedure in the first year it has been offered at Spectrum Health, under the direction of Dr. Michael Dickinson and the skilled hands of transplant surgeon Dr. Asghar Khaghani.

Ten of the patients are thriving or progressing well during a recovery. One patient died from an infection contracted after a transplant. Doctors say the first year post-procedure carries the most risk.

Read more: http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2011/11/rahn_bentleys_journey_from_hos.html