When I think about resilience, complexity, and purpose, one person from the Bible always comes to mind—David.
He’s more than the shepherd who took down Goliath. David was a king, a general, a poet, a musician, and a lover of beauty. He danced in joy, wrote songs in pain, led armies, ruled a nation, and still found time to talk to God in his most raw and honest moments. That’s why I connect with him. In many ways, I see pieces of myself in the many faces of David.
Like David, I’ve lived multiple lives in one lifetime.
I’m a father, a photographer, a storyteller, a LVAD survivor, and an unshakable believer in purpose. Living with an LVAD for ten years hasn’t been a straight path—it’s been a series of battles, breakthroughs, breakdowns, and blessings. And through it all, like David, I’ve tried to keep it real. I’ve questioned, praised, cried, created, and kept walking.
Slaying Goliaths
David’s Goliath was a literal giant. Mine was heart failure. I didn’t face it with a slingshot, but with faith, a surgical team, and the will to live for my kids, my art, and my calling. That LVAD pump might not look like a weapon, but make no mistake—it’s part of my armor.
Every hospital stay, every beeping alarm, every moment I wondered “why me?”—those were giants too. But like David, I’ve learned that giants fall when you stand firm with purpose.
The Warrior and the Artist
David was a man of war and a man of music. That duality always hit home for me.
I’ve had to fight—hard. But I’ve also made it a mission to create. Whether it’s capturing a senior’s graduation photo, or helping someone else tell their LVAD story on my podcast, I believe in the power of beauty, storytelling, and legacy.
The LVAD might have changed how I live—but it hasn’t changed who I am. In fact, it’s helped me discover deeper layers of myself. Just like David had to grow into his crown, I’ve had to grow into this life and own it.
Imperfect But Chosen
David wasn’t perfect. He made mistakes, had moments of weakness, and lived with consequences. But God still called him a man after His own heart.
That’s the part that humbles me the most. I don’t have to have it all together to have a purpose. I just have to show up, stay real, and keep going.
So, to anyone walking with an LVAD—or facing a giant of your own—I say this:
You’re not alone. You’re not disqualified. And your story isn’t over.
Let’s talk about it. Let’s walk through it together. Whether you’re a fighter, a creator, a caregiver, or a dreamer—there’s space for your voice at LVAD Talk.
Shawn Connors
Executive Producer/Host - Connors Studios
Meet Shawn Connors, a man who’s faced some tough health challenges. Born with a heart murmur, he had his first heart surgery at just three. But life threw him another curveball when he was 37, diagnosed with DIFIB.
Things got even worse when Shawn’s wife, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, fell ill at 40. Shawn, determined to take care of her, was also battling his own health issues. It was clear that he needed an LVAD. Six months after the implant, Shawn’s wife sadly passed away, leaving him as the sole caregiver for their two elementary-aged children.
Despite the immense grief, Shawn found a way to channel his emotions into something positive. He started a podcast called LVAD Talk, where he interviews other LVADers, including heart transplant recipients. His videos and podcasts are available on YouTube and LVADTalk.com.
In addition to his podcast, Shawn is also the owner of Connors Studio, where he creates and specializes in portraiture and lifestyle photography.
💥HULK MODE: The Strength It Takes to Live With an LVAD💥
