"My physical therapist, she usually comes in the morning and works me out for like an hour," Ward said. "The doctors told me I should come back and actually have more energy and feel stronger and better than I did before."
[Ads /]
The timing couldn't be more perfect. Ward is now well enough to attend the Friday ribbon cutting of the new 28,000-square-foot Crime Stoppers building in Midtown, named after him.
ORIGINAL REPORT: Dave Ward recovering from heart surgery
"I am so proud to be a part of it. And the fact that they would name their building the Dave Ward Building just blew me away. I still can't believe it," he said.
He also can't believe how Houston Crime Stoppers has grown to be one of the most successful programs in the country. Nearly four decades ago, Crime Stoppers first got airtime on ABC13.
[Ads /]
Ward worked with the University of Houston theatre department, recreating crimes for the Crime of the Week feature.
Since then, over 35,000 criminals have been caught and jailed thanks to the Crime Stoppers program.
"I just want to say to the folks who responded by sending me get well cards and phone calls and come to see me personally. All the people who reached out to me really made me feel wonderful," he added.