Wayne Magazine May 2018 | Page 39

A RemARkAble RecoveRy Tom was transferred to Morristown Medical Center, another Atlantic Health System hospital and a nationally ranked cardiology program, for continued monitoring and critical care. “The transfer was seamless,” remarked Beverly. “Dr. Blitz remained his cardiologist, which was very reassuring.” Thanks to the expertise of Dr. Blitz, the full resources of Chilton Medical Center, and Atlantic Health System’s vast network of advanced heart care, Tom defied the odds by surviv- ing two life-threatening cardiac emergencies without suffering any neurological injury or sig- nificant heart muscle damage. “I’m incredibly proud of the Catheterization Lab and Emergency Department staff for their rapid response and great care they provided as it is moments like this where it mat- ters most,” said Dina Tortorelli, manager of Cardiovascular Services, Chilton Medical Center. Within 24 hours, Tom’s heart had healed enough to start pumping on its own again, enabling Dr. Blitz to remove the LVAD and discharge him from the hospital two days later. Today, following 12 weeks of outpatient cardiac rehabilita- tion, Tom is back on the tennis court and in full swing. “I’m so fortunate,” he said. “If I’d been taken to a different hospital, I may have had a different outcome.” As a gesture of appreciation, Tom and Beverly have decided to pay it forward with a dona- tion to support Dr. Blitz’s amaz- ing work at Chilton Medical Center, hoping their gift will benefit future heart patients whose lives also depend on hav- ing state-of-the-art cardiac care available in their community. v Chilton Magazine summer 2018