Angels Watched Over Me

On September 21, 2001, I suffered a massive heart attack at age 50 while at work. My colleagues preformed CPR while waiting for an ambulance to arrive. I was first taken to the emergency room of Orlando Regional Sand Lake Hospital on Turkey Lake Road, however; my condition was so severe, that I was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center. 

My prognosis was bleak. For most, there seemed to be little doubt that this was the end of my life. ORMC administrators summoned my family from out of town and thoughts of a funeral occupied their minds. Your hospital staff never gave up on me. They were really angels of mercy. These angels not only took care of my medical needs, they took care of my family as well. After nearly 5 weeks of hospitalization, numerous medical procedures, an implanted defibrillator, and many scary moments, I finally awoke and opened my eyes. Slowly, I began to understand what had happened. Many hospital employees helped me to recover. Everyone from the nursing staff to the musical therapists came to see me regularly. 

Finally, I was able to go home in late October, but still very ill and not much hope for a long life. Seven months later, I was back at ORMC with serious heart problems. All the nurses on the cardiac floor remembered me and were warm and friendly. I felt safe and reassured knowing that I was receiving the best medical care there was. Again, dedicated doctors at ORMC stepped in. My angels this time were Dr. Mark Sand and Dr. Jeffery Bott, cardiac surgeons, who preformed by-pass surgery and the DOR procedure to reconstruct the left ventricle of my heart. Thanks to them and the operating room staff, my surgery was performed in record time increasing my chances of survival. 

Now more than three years later, I have returned to work full time. I lost 65 pounds and counting. I keep myself busy with my children and feel healthy. Because of all the angels at ORMC, the numerous caring nurses and physicians, I am still here today. 

Thank you to everyone who worked to save me! My life was in your hands and you took it seriously and never gave up. Now I wear an angel pin on my outfit every day to remind me of the special angels who work at ORMC. 

Sincerely, 

Candace Kavey 
A Survivor