article_snippet: Fred Nelis, 60, of Holland, got a new heart, while 67-year-old Gordon Veldman of Pentwater, got a new pair of lungs.
article_snippet: Lifesaving operation: Fred Nelis, 60, underwent a heart transplant after living with idiopathic cardiomyopathy for the last 20 years .
article_snippet: Nelis has been suffering for 20 years with idiopathic cardiomyopathy - a progressive heart disease with an unknown cause.
article_snippet: Then in 2013 Nelis developed atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat, and was placed on the heart transplant in March 2014. '
article_snippet: : Nelis was a competitive swimmer for 40 years, before developing heart issues .
article_snippet: Godron Veldman ( said that Godron Veldman ( and Nelis put he and Nelis new heart and lungs as close as he and Nelis can
article_snippet: every time he and Nelis meet.
article_snippet: he and Nelis put their new heart and lungs as close as they can every time they meet got a gift, and it's best that he and Nelis put their new heart and lungs as close as they can every time they meet treat a gift as such,' Nelis said.
highlights_snippet: Nelis was diagnosed with idiopathic cardiomyopathy 20 years ago .
  