
Stories of Gratitude
Read the inspiring stories from the people who tell it best – patients.
Craig Nickelbein: Bypass Graft Aneurysm
After developing a rare aneurysm (an abnormal bulge) on one of his bypass grafts, Craig was excited to find Dr. Emmanouil Brilakis, who had the expertise needed to treat it.
Andrea Rose: Aortic Valve Replacement
Andrea feels younger and more energetic than ever after having an aortic valve replacement in the summer of 2020 through MHIF’s Valve Science Center.
Diane Nimmer: Mitral Valve Replacement
Diane developed mitral stenosis, an obstruction of blood flow across the mitral valve from the left atrium to the left ventricle.
Ed Peitso: Heart Attack, Heart Failure
Despite having a diagnosis of heart failure, Ed feels good and said he’s able to live “a fairly unrestricted life.”
Shelly Schierts: Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVD)
Shelly Schierts’ journey to finding the cause of her chest pain and unusual fatigue was anything but easy.
George Dean: Aortic Stenosis
Through a research study, George received a transcatheter aortic heart valve, as his aortic stenosis had gotten progressively worse.
Nancy Russell: Heart Transplant
When a heart transplant was the only option left to save her life, Nancy received one though an MHIF study.
Kristen Bowlds: Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD)
Shortly after giving birth, Kristen experienced spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a rare condition that can cause a heart attack.
Kelley Hoolihan: Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD)
At 38, Kelley experienced spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), which is the #1 cause of heart attack among younger women.

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