Given a Second Chance at Life
My husband, Don, suffered a heart attack and was told that he had just six months to live
Cleveland,Clinic,heart,attack,open-heart,surgery,Mended,Hearts,International
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From: Mary - Kentucky, who's husband was given a 2nd chance at life
 

In May 1970, my husband, Don, suffered a heart attack and was told that he had just six months to live. Then he underwent surgery at Cleveland Clinic.

This fall Don will celebrate his 80th birthday with our six children and eleven grandchildren.

Leaving his home in northern Kentucky, Don traveled to Cleveland Clinic to be one of the first two hundred people in the country to undergo open-heart surgery. We couldn't be happier with his incredible results.

Don and I met about nine years ago at an AARP Christmas party. We had both been widowed for some time. We married eight years ago and now live in Arizona. We feel blessed that we can enjoy each and every day together.

Don's remarkable recovery has made him an inspiration to others who have experienced health setbacks. For 30 years, he has volunteered regularly at Mended Hearts International (a support group for people who have experienced a heart event), at senior centers and at local hospitals. This year, for the first time, we will be attending the Mended Hearts national convention.

The whole family is thankful for the many blessed years we have had together because of the care Don received at Cleveland Clinic. Don and I are both grateful for the excellent health care he has received in the past 36 years.

The motto for Mended Hearts International says: "It's great to be alive and help others." Don lives every day by this slogan, and we encourage others to do the same.

Sincerely,

Mary