David Aresty may be the most memorable patient to ever be treated at The Nebraska Medical Center.
He had a bone marrow transplant for lymphoma in 1989 and a liver transplant in 2012 for hepatitis.
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TIME OUT |
WITH T.O. by Tom O’Connor |
An executive for a women’s clothing firm headquartered in New Jersey, Aresty and his wife, Patti, spent nine months at the Element Omaha Midtown Crossing Hotel waiting for a donor liver to become available.
Through all David’s ups and downs, the Arestys’ faith, trust and perseverance never wavered. They loved the medical center and Omaha, and their optimism and charm made it easy for Omaha to love them.
They showed their appreciation by making large donations to the University of Nebraska Foundation. In return, the second floor lounge in the Lied Transplant Center is named for them, and they were among the supporters of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. In addition, they directed many of their friends to UNMC for their care.
Sadly, nearly 18 months after receiving his liver transplant, David, 56, died last October.
It was a tremendous loss to all who knew him.
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David Aresty attending the ground-breaking ceremony for the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. |
“He had the greatest passion for life that I have ever known. As he often said, ‘Life is for the living — why waste it on complaining?'”
During their long wait for a liver transplant, the Arestys and their three dogs became fixtures at Midtown Crossing.
“Their presence at Midtown Crossing was inspiring,” said Molly Skold, a vice president for Mutual of Omaha. “Everybody knew them. They didn’t care whether you were the janitor at Element or the CEO of XYZ Company. They embraced everybody. People literally pushed over chairs to get to them. When David died, we were stunned. It felt like we lost one of our own.”
Shortly after David’s death, Skold planted a tree in his memory in Turner Park. The idea was to bring the Aresty family back for a dedication after the weather warmed.
The dedication took place on Aug. 2, and the entire Aresty clan — dogs included — was on hand.
Amazingly, the brutal winter killed at least 25 trees at Midtown Crossing. But, one survived.
Yep, it was David’s. Was there ever any doubt?
Tom, thanks for writing this story on the Aresty's. Although I never had the pleasure of meeting them, I heard often about what a wonderful and inspiring couple they are, impacting the lives of everyone they came in contact with. I have now adopted David's saying as my personal motto: 'Life is for the living — why waste it on complaining?'" Words to LIVE by….
This is a wonderful story. I was very blessed to have gotten to know the family well. Thank you for reminding us all of his amazing presence that continues after his passing.