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SALT LAKE CITY -- Award-winning musician Paul Cardall is celebrating life by preparing for his first concert since his heart transplant.
Paul says this concert will honor two groups of people: his friends, who held a benefit concert for him before the transplant, and the young people who are dealing with their own challenges because of congenital heart conditions. Cardall and his friends are preparing a gift of love. Through their music they are celebrating Paul's life. He is returning love for their stalwart support.
Born with congenital heart disease, Cardall underwent surgeries and waited for a heart transplant, becoming so weak, he had to stop performing. That changed last Sept. 9, 2009.
He says, "Celebrating everything that's good in life. You know, I came so close to leaving this world that every little thing in this world is much more beautiful."
The music in the up-coming concert will feature Cardall's best music, he says, with creative additions making what's familiar richer and deeper.
One of Paul's greatest fans is a young man who is suffering from the same congenital heart disease as Paul had.
McKay Hobbs, nearly 12, is facing difficult surgeries. Paul remembers and offers friendship and support.
Hobbs says, "[He's] gone through stuff that I'm worried about, and it kind of helps me know how it will be."
"Medicine takes it as far as they can," Cardall says, "but it's our optimism that takes over and the grace of God that allows us to continue on; and McKay has that."
Paul Cardall says a child is born every 15 minutes with congenital heart disease. Approximately 1.8 million Americans have it. This event is about finding his new world and giving hope to others who, likewise, want to find theirs.
E-mail: cmikita@ksl.com
