Cardiac Success Stories
Joseph Bergeron, 39, Triple Bypass
“The care that I received from the doctors and nurses at Osceola Regional Medical Center and Cardiac Rehab was absolutely wonderful. They were able to fix me. There is nothing I enjoy more than spending quality time with my lovely wife and six children. So I’m now focused on living a healthy lifestyle by paying attention to what I eat and exercising regularly.”
Alex “Lex” Cooper, 45, Emergency Thoracic Surgery
“I give all the glory to Jehovah for allowing me to stand victorious when faced with a 9% chance of survival. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for the doctors and nurses at Osceola Regional Medical center for respecting my religious beliefs against blood transfusions and for skillfully saving my life. To say that the nursing staff was excellent doesn’t do them justice. They were the bloodline of care I needed to pull through and recover.”
Karen Leaf, 42, Heart Attack - Bypass and 1 Stent
"I didn’t think I was living such an unhealthy lifestyle, but after my surgery I decided it was time to quit smoking and be mindful of what I eat. I also started working out at Osceola Regional Medical Center’s Cardiac Rehab, where I learned about how to monitor my heart rate and the gym equipment I should use. My children are so young that I simply cannot afford to not take care of myself."
Edmund Birnstiel, 70, 7 Stents
"I want to thank my wife Betty who has been a great part of my life and a big support. I would recommend anyone who has had a heart procedure to go to Cardiac Rehab because it’s the first step on your journey to recovery. You feel better afterwards, you have a better outlook on life and you keep depression at bay because you realize that you are not alone."
Sharon Miller, 64, Double Bypass
“After my double bypass, a total stranger came to see me; a volunteer form the Mended Hearts program at Osceola Regional Medical Center. He had also survived a heart attack and I thought, ‘He looks good. He’s doing well. He’s helping me. I’m helping others.’ Two months later my husband Steve and I became Mended Hearts volunteers. It was that simple because I realized that helping build a positive attitude is an important part of cardiac therapy. I want to thank Dr. George and Dr. Kumar for their care and such great bedside manners. And a special thanks to the nurses at Cardiac Rehab, my friends for teaching me how to eat healthy, exercise and share words of encouragement with others who have undergone open heart surgery. We do everything we can to help mend one heart at a time.”
Frank Rodriguez, 42, Heart Attack– 2 Stents
“As an experienced fire fighter and paramedic, I knew immediately I was having a heart attack. I survived because I was in great physical condition, always eating well and exercising almost daily. It can happen to anyone so you need to teach your body how to survive by practicing healthy habits. I wouldn’t be here if my wife Joan wasn’t with me when this happened. She’s been my anchor. And the medical attention I received at Osceola Regional Medical Center was just extra ordinary. I know it takes time to get back to normal and that I’m alive for a reason, so I keep pushing myself. I will never give up.”
Nelda Evers, 71, 2 Stents
"After my surgery I did the exercise program at the Cardiac Rehab. You will not find a nicer group of ladies. They work so hard to help you enjoy your workout and feel good about yourself. And Dr. Barrett listens very carefully to me, so I feel that I can always depend on what he tells me about my treatment. Today I feel like a winner.”