Patient Stories
We believe that patient stories do two very important things: They let people know about the advanced heart care that is available at URMC and they provide hope for a healthier life to those who are suffering from heart disease.
Heart Attack
Pam Van Wuyckhuyse
Pam knew that May 15, 2004 was going to be one of the most important days of her life. Read the story about Pam's heart attack
David Pogue
When David regained consciousness, he looked up to see a surprising sight: People calmly walking on treadmills to either side of him. Read the story about David's heart attack »
Roy King
“I was sitting and waiting for a client,” Roy says, “when I started sweating profusely and overheating. I had read about the symptoms of a heart attack. Read the story about Roy's heart attack »
Heart Failure
Elmer Goodman
In 1999, Elmer was stopped on his motorcycle when a drunk driver slammed into him. Elmer was thrown 125 feet and suffered a collapsed lung, ruptured bladder and other serious injuries. Read Elmer's story about heart failure »
Paul Smoker
At one point last year, Nazareth College music professor Paul Smoker just wished to live through the end of the semester. His heart was failing and he was ineligible for a cardiac transplant.
Read Paul’s story about heart failure »
Heart Repair
Mary Ellen
Mary Ellen Gugliandro lived nearly 55 years before she ever learned she had a hole in her heart. Read Mary Ellen's story about her heart repair »
Claire Elizabeth Kowal
The doctor turned to Jennifer, pointed to the baby's heart on the screen and told her that they weren't having trouble seeing the heart, there was something wrong with the heart. Read Claire's story about her heart repair »
Connie Reybrouck
Connie had experienced panic attacks since the age of 16. But it wasn’t until she was nearly 50 that she realized the panic wasn’t all in her head. At least part of it was in her heart. Read Connie's story about her heart repair »
Heart Rhythm Disorders
Cameron
As the father came toward the house, his younger son, Zachary, opened the door for him, inadvertently setting off the burglar alarm. Little did he know, but at that precise moment the heart of his other son, 7-year-old Cameron, had stopped. Read about Cameron's heart rhythm disorder »
Ruth Pontera
When Ruth Pontera had her first fainting spell, she never suspected that she was going to have a remarkable impact on people around the world. Read about Ruth's heart rhythm disorder
Heart Transplant
David Beatson
David Beatson confesses that he was never nervous about the remarkable role he played in the history of the University of Rochester Medical Center as its first heart transplant patient. Read the story about David's heart transplant »
Aisha O'Mally
In February of 2004, at the young age of 25, Aisha O’Mally was given some of the best news of her life: There was a new heart waiting for her. Read the story about Aisha's heart transplant »
High Blood Pressure
Annette Lawrence
High blood pressure may be called the Silent Killer. But for Annette Lawrence, it was all too clear that this disorder was seriously affecting her health. Read the story about Annette's high blood pressure »
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