As part of its month-long effort to draw extra attention to heart health, Community Healthcare System hosted its 19th annual Hearts of Hope ceremony.
The event, which took place Feb. 8 at St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart, highlighted advances in cardiovascular research and how those findings benefit patients in Northwest Indiana. Attendees heard from speakers and admired the Hearts of Hope tree, knowing that each light on the tree shines in honor or memory of those who have battled heart disease.
Money raised by the campaign is used to research new methods to treat cardiovascular disease or to enact clinical trials, which Community Healthcare System is able to offer patients.
“Over the years, these advancements have been transformative for patients with heart disorders,” said St. Mary Medical Center CEO Janice Ryba. “We’re also here to thank our many talented and caring cardiologists, electrophysiologists and cardiovascular surgeons. These physicians work daily to improve the quality of life for their patients and to give them hope for a healthier future.”
One such patient, Bob Szot, took part in the ceremony and shared his story. He is a retired history teacher in Crown Point and former volunteer firefighter. He meets up with other retirees from the department every morning for a cup of coffee and does what he can to stay active and involved with the community.
In 2021, Szot was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a type of cardiac arrhythmia that causes chest pain, dizziness and weakness, as well as increases the risk of heart failure. He managed AFib with blood thinners but was able to take part in a medical trial that implanted him with a WATCHMAN FLX. A device about the size of a quarter, the WATCHMAN prevents blood clots from forming and eliminates the need for blood thinners.
The implant was successful, and Szot was able to go home the same day of the procedure. He no longer needed the expensive regimen of blood thinners, requiring only baby aspirin and occasional checkups.
“I’m grateful that I’m able to hang out with my buddies and volunteer around the city with a little less worry about my cardiac health,” he said. “I jumped at the chance to participate in the trial. I didn’t want to be on blood thinners the rest of my life. I’d advise anybody who has AFib to do it.”
Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Kais Yehyawi also spoke at the ceremony. He reflected on his experience with Szot and his pride in being part of a pioneering healthcare system.
“We are able to save lives here and are also contributing to the standard of care and advancement in cardiology across the country and beyond,” he said. “The goal with any medical procedure is to improve health and quality of life. Cardiac care can be transformative for a patient. Here at Community Healthcare System, we offer procedures that can initiate that transformation and bring real change to patients.”
Those attending Hearts of Hope brought their own stories about being touched by heart disease in some way. Marsha Banik, who keeps up to date on events at Community Healthcare System, attended with her brother who has heart disease. Both of their parents also were diagnosed with heart conditions, with their mother passing away at just 50 years old.
“It happens to be my parents’ anniversary today,” Banik said. “That’s part of why we came. I also go to see a cardiologist, and because of that we like to keep track of what we can do to keep healthy. Whatever we can do to help others is very important to us.”
To learn more about Community Healthcare System, or to donate to its cardiovascular research program, visit www.comhs.org.
