Students can’t mask their delight

More than 600 Lakes Middle School students donned surgical masks Friday afternoon in Coeur d’Alene in a gesture of support and affection for a favorite teacher recovering from a heart transplant.

Dave Eubanks was “completely, absolutely and stupendously” surprised by the ceremony that included presentation of more than $1,400 in student donations to help other transplant patients – and an unexpected visit from the doctor who performed his surgery.

“It was overwhelming,” said Eubanks, 60.

Eubanks embraced Dr. Timothy Icenogle in front of the assembled parents, staff and students. Principal Chris Hammons led the students in a thunderous chant of “Thank you!” for saving Eubanks’ life.

A teacher for more than 30 years, Eubanks suffered a serious heart attack in 2002 that degenerated to life-threatening heart failure by last January. The teacher of eighth-grade woodshop and Spanish classes has a rare type of blood, B-negative, shared by about 1 percent of the population.

But on Feb. 1 at Sacred Heart Medical Center, Eubanks received a heart with matching blood type from a 23-year-old man who died, he believes, in Alaska.

Eleven weeks later, Eubanks said he is “98 percent” recovered – and deeply grateful.

“A 23-year-old heart in a 60-year-old body? You feel rejuvenated,” Eubanks said.

His transplant became an object lesson for students who spent a week in March selling heart-themed objects – suckers, posters, marshmallows – as a fundraiser. The money will go to a Sacred Heart program that provides aid to transplant patients with unexpected expenses.

Eubanks hopes to return next fall to the school where he’s taught for 10 years. There’s no sense in retiring now, he figures.

“This is like a rebirth,” Eubanks said, praising Icenogle’s skills. “He doesn’t just save lives, he saves souls.”