Just a couple of weeks after Jeff Whitman underwent a successful heart transplant at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City, the East Meadow native is close to heading back home.

Whitman, a graduate of East Meadow High School in 1984, has suffered repeated medical setbacks. He has been affected by heart ailments since childbirth, and he eventually needed a pacemaker.

It was when the battery needed to be changed on Whitman's pacemaker that another problem arose. During the procedure, Whitman's heart was punctured and the operation had to be suspended.

But that's not all.

Since 2005, Whitman's life has been a series of complications. He suffers from Cardiomyopathy and Congenital Heart Disease. In the past three years, Whitman lost his father, his wife to colon cancer, and most recently his mother.

He was confined to Manor Care Rehab Facility in Yardley, PA, but he recently relocated back to East Meadow when doctors told him that he'd have a better chance of getting a new heart in New York.

"Denise Pascalis Just spoke with Dr. Delasandro," Patricia Kutil said to Patch in a Facebook message on Feb. 8. "The surgery was a little tedious. Lots of scar tissue, but all went well. Jeff has a new heart!"

"I saw Jeff today at Montefiore," Pascalis, who opened up her home to Whitman, posted in a Facebook group dedicated to Whitman on Friday. "He is doing great!"

Whitman is still at Montefiore Medical Center and, once he's released, which may be this week, he will continue to go back for check-ups with doctors. He will remain in Pascalis' home for the time being.

"I am in awe of this medical miracle," she added. "He is doing so well!"

Want to send messages of encouragement to Jeff? Tell us in the comments.