We are excited to share that one of our patient partners, Jim Tietjens, has published a book detailing his decades-long health conditions and the hard work and engagement that has helped him work through these challenges, including Chronic Limb-threatening Ischemia (CLTI). Jim has worked with us on different projects including the multi-stakeholder patient-focused CLTI Working Group (2021-2023) and was a celebrated speaker at our most recent Vascular Health Innovation Summit in September 2023. We are in awe of his accomplishments, grit, and kindness. Congratulations Jim!

Hear more about his amazing story below:

Jim Tietjens, was a high school state champion, college All-American, member of the youth national team, professional goalkeeper, and a hall of famer. Yet, his athletic accomplishments pale in comparison to his perseverance in overcoming a litany of health challenges during his adult life. Jim chronicles the role friends, family, health professionals — and organ donors — have played in saving his life in his new book “Saves,” soon to be released on Amazon as well as at other major outlets.

This book encourages others and provides hope and the strength to keep moving forward. Since the age of 32, Tietjens has had two heart transplants, a kidney transplant, cancer twice, pneumonia more than a dozen times, and peripheral artery disease that has already led to the amputation of one of his toes. His positive attitude in facing these challenges is uplifting. 

“Jim Tietjens’ life is an inspiring story of beating the odds both on and off the field,” says Dave Lange, author of “Soccer Made in St. Louis.” “Jim Tietjens and Jeff Kuchno have teamed up to tell that story in a book that engages anyone interested in understanding how Jim overcame challenges that would have been insurmountable to almost anyone else. The end result is a book that is a winner about a winner.” In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Jim enjoyed success as a sales and marketing executive at Rawlings Sports Goods as well as Anheuser-Busch. He cultivated relationships with some of the giants of the sporting world — Tony Gwynn, Ken Griffey Jr., Ozzie Smith and Mark McGwire, just to name a few. Jim’s lifetime of achievements has landed him in the St. Louis University, St. Louis Soccer and Mehlville School District Halls of Fame.

To learn more about Jim’s story, visit InspireMeStories.com and https://stlsportspage.com/2024/02/01/former-soccer-star-is-a-man-with-heart-three-of-them/. To purchase his book, visit https://amzn.to/3w2V3iI.

Affiliate Disclosure: Foundation to Advance Vascular Cures participates in the Amazon Affiliate program. We may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you purchase a product from a link on our site. These small commissions help continue the important work of the foundation. Many thanks!