Stories of Gratitude
Read the inspiring stories from the people who tell it best – patients.
Betsy Kinkead: SCAD
At 43, healthy and active Betsy experienced spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD); nearly 90 percent of SCAD patients are women.
Stephanie Rawson: Functional Mitral Regurgitation
Stephanie was the 19th patient worldwide to undergo a minimally invasive procedure to treat heart failure and functional mitral regurgitation.
Dave Durenberger: Aortic Valve
Dave Durenberger: From health policy expert to grateful patient As a U.S. Senator from Minnesota for 16 years and then a senior health policy Fellow at the University of St. Thomas, Dave Durenberger spent much of his career working on health care reform and health...
Lisa Koenecke: COOL-IT
After experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, Lisa was treated with the MHIF-developed COOL-IT protocol to reduce risk of permanent brain damage.
R.T. Rybak – Heart Attack
R.T. Rybak suffered a heart attack and thanks fast-acting physicians and clinical research for helping his heart avoid long-term damage.
Howard Anderson: Structural Heart
Born with multiple structural heart issues, Howard as an adult has benefitted from MHIF’s continued research into conditions like his.
Andrew Lerud: Cardiac Valve
Born with a bicuspid aortic valve, Andrew developed aortic stenosis and fully recovered his life after an aortic valve replacement.
Bill Kotonias: Cardiac Valve
Through an MHIF study, Bill received a bioprosthetic aortic valve made of animal tissue, which doesn’t require long-term medication use.
John Unger: Cardiac Valve
Through a clinical research study, John avoided a second open-heart surgery and underwent a transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedure.
Any Gift, Big or Small, has a Significant Impact on People’s Lives