WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- The nation’s longest surviving single-graft heart transplant patient has died.

Tony Huesman, 52, of Washington Township died on Sunday after a battle with cancer.

Huesman was diagnosed with viral cardiomyopathy while in high school. He later had an experimental heart transplant done at Stanford University.

In an earlier interview with News Center 7's Cheryl Mchenry, Huesman said, "It doesn't really matter when we die, how we die, or why we die. What really matters though is how we live in the hearts and souls of those we touch along the way."

We spoke with Tony's wife Carol by telphone and she wanted to thank all the people who supported her husband over the years.

Carol Huesman also wanted everyone to know that the Huesman Heart Foundation will continue to help children practice good heart health.

Funeral arrangements are pending.