FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jim Tietjens (pronounced TEE-jens) has an impressive resume — high school state champion, college All-American, member of the youth national team, professional goalkeeper, hall of famer. But Jim’s 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,” now available 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 request a multi-chapter PDF book excerpt for media review, please contact inspiremestoriespublishing@gmail.com or savesbook@gmail.com.

Jim Tietjens has relied on the expertise of many health professionals to help him survive his health challenges throughout most of his adult life. Dr. Muhammad Masood (above with Jim) performed Jim’s second heart transplant in 2018. Dr. James Geraghty (below with Jim) has performed over a dozen procedures to provide relief for Jim in his battle with peripheral artery disease.