Lifesaving Care is Why I Give Back to Ohio State's Ross Heart Hospital

Carl's unhealthy lifestyle caught up with him when he developed serious heart issues resulting in the need for open-heart surgery. With the help of heart experts at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center's Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital, Carl is living a new life he never before thought was possible.

Immediately, Dr. Abraham ran a battery of tests and called Carl a few days later with the results.

“Dr. Abraham told me ‘You are the worst case we’ve seen in a long time,’” recalls Carl.

Within a few days, Carl was scheduled for open heart surgery – coronary artery bypass surgery. This is an innovative procedure performed while the heart is still beating.

During his recovery, Carl received encouragement from patient advocates and volunteers from Mended Hearts, a volunteer group that provides comfort and assistance to patients at the Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital. He was determined to get healthy. He began an exercise regimen and tracking his food intake, going from 237 pounds to 167 pounds – a 70-pound loss.

In a better place in his life, giving back is important to Carl.

“Anyone could be in my situation and Ohio State saved my life. Had I not been able to see Dr. Abraham, I doubt I would be here today,” he shares. He is aware and appreciative that he has benefitted from studies supported by philanthropy. “Giving to the Ohio State Ross Heart Hospital allows for this incredible brain trust to help people survive and thrive,” says Carl.

Now retired and a grandfather of five including a set of triplets, Carl can’t imagine living the life he once lived. “Things like moving boxes, playing with my grandkids, working out – all would not have happened before.”