INDIANAPOLIS — Omarr Gadling says every day, not just Thursday, is a day of Thanksgiving.
"When you see the nurses and the techs and the other patients in this hospital, it causes you to be thankful for what you have," Gadling said.
The award-winning poet has spent the past two Thanksgivings at Riley Hospital for Children waiting on a heart transplant. He was born with a congenital heart condition.
He spends his days performing poetry on Facebook Live and doing Tai Chi along with other activities.
"I'm away from my family ... my motto is always stay busy and don't worry about what you can't control. Keep yourself occupied and just take it one day at a time," Gadling said.
Riley Children's Health shared a video of one of the poems.
"It's a form of expression for me, a form of release. It's like therapy to me; it's like my special gift and talent that God blessed me with," Gadling said. "I just do poetry to inspire and encourage people that may be going through challenges in their lives. It's just a blessing to have a gift."
The East Chicago native was recently surprised with the National Spoken Word Award for Overcomer of the Year.
To learn more about becoming an organ donor, visit the Indiana Donor Network.
RELATED: Indiana woman on mission to sign-up more organ donors
-
Indy 500 Festival Parade to feature 11 floats with racing history theme
The iconic parade is celebrating its 70th year, and each of the 11 floats offers a creative take on legacy and history.
10 things every Indy 500 fan needs on race day
The Indianapolis 500 is the greatest spectacle in racing. It’s also a long day that requires some advance planning if you go.
Purdue men’s basketball to play UConn in exhibition game
Purdue men’s basketball announced it will play UConn in an exhibition game on October 27, 2026. UConn athletic department officials will set the site for the matchup.
Campers move in ahead of 110th Indianapolis 500
Trailers and RVs loaded into the camping lots at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Thursday morning ahead of the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500.
