Patient Tracks Down The Doctor Who Saved His Life 59 Years Ago

It’s not that uncommon for a former hospital patient to track down a doctor who saved their life years later, but few of these searches last a whopping 59 years.

Nearly six decades after Korean War Veteran Dr. Wayne Gossard of Dallas saved the life of then 11-year-old Dennis Fastnachd, the patient hunted down the doctor to whom he owes his life, according to NBC 5.

Fastnachd was with some friends on that fateful day in 1957. His father had recently taught him how to shoot a shotgun and wanting to show off to his buddies; he pulled out his father’s gun and shells.

When another boy asked to hold the gun, the situation took a turn for the worst. Fastnachd ended up with a bullet hole in his abdomen and had to be rushed to the emergency room. It looked like he wasn’t going to make it, but thanks to the skill of Dr. Gossard, Fastnachd pulled through.

“The man saved my life. There’s no question about it,” said Fastnachd.

Years later, doctor and patient have been reunited. Fastnachd said he moved to Kansas City not long after the incident and always wanted the chance to reconnect with the man who saved his life. However, he never thought that opportunity would arise, until he was speaking with a friend from Dallas who happened to have a connection to the doctor.

Gossard is now 95-year-old and admits he doesn’t remember having Fastnachd on his operating table that night so many years ago. However, he always welcomes the chance to check-up on an old patient. The two arranged to meet for coffee and were reunited after all those years in a heartwarming moment. They even went to the hospital, which has changed quite a bit since they were last there together.

“If you’ll come back every 59 years, you’ll be most welcome,” joked Gossard.

While it doesn’t seem that reunion will happen, we’re happy to hear these two had the chance to meet again and express gratitude.

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[Featured Image: NBC 5]

Patient Tracks Down The Doctor Who Saved His Life 59 Years Ago is an article from: LifeDaily