Survivor Gallery Sponsored by:

Every heart has a story… Time made all the difference in the world

Lida DeVino

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Lida is a recent stroke survivor. Her husband recognized her stroke symptoms and sought

medical attention right away. She livestoday with a 100% of her faculties because

of the immediate medical intervention and advanced care at Westchester

Medical Center. Grateful to be “whole” again, Lida, in her

late-50’s, has been given a second chance at life and

knowing now how quickly things can

change, she makes every moment count.

Every heart has a story… Saving families, one heart at a time

Dr. Martin Cohen, CardiologistDr. Linda Cuomo, Cardiologist

For every heart saved at Westchester Medical Center, a family is reunited. Behind every failing heart is a

family filled with hope. The face of heart disease can take many forms—someone’s mother, brother, daughter or best friend. By far the greatest reward for Drs. Cohen and Cuomo is knowing that the work they do not only helps patients but it keeps families together.

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Every heart has a story… The best gift is a healthy heart

Andrea and Brooklyn Benedikt

Brooklyn was only 4 years old when her heart murmur was first diagnosed. She had atrial septal defect - a hole in her heart. Following open heart surgery to

repair the opening, Brooklyn now lives an active, healthy kindergartner’s life. Grateful

for the care she received, on her 5th birthday Brooklyn donated her presents

to kids at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center. Mom, Andrea, is so proud

of her daughter’s generous heart. She says everyday with Brooklyn is her gift and fortunately, they will have a lifetime of birthdays to celebrate together.

Survivor Gallery Sponsored by:

Photo: Venture Photography, Greenwich, CT Phot

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Every heart has a story… A little heart with big dreams

Dr. Joseph Giamelli, Pediatric Cardiologist Patricia TuohyDr. Suvro Sett, Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon

Patricia came into this world with only a 90% chance at life. Born with multiple congenital heart

defects, her first surgery was at 7 days old. She would later have two more surgeries. Now age

6, and numerous doctor visits later, Patricia is most thankful to her favorite docs, Drs. Sett

and Giamelli of Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center, for giving her heart wings so that she can soar. Patricia is wise beyond her years and looks forward to following her heart to wherever it takes her.

Survivor Gallery Sponsored by:

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Every heart has a story… One broken heart saved two others (and counting…)

Katarina, Robert and Daria Weigel

At age 15, Katarina collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest while at volleyball practice. Her coaches

saved her with CPR and the use of an AED. She was later diagnosed at Maria Fareri

Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center with CPVT, a rare congenital defect, and was implanted with a defibrillator. Mother, Daria, and brother, Robert, were tested and found to have the same inherited arrhythmia that could have caused their heart to fail at anytime. They now each have an implanted defibrillator to help regulate their heartbeat. Katarina shares her heart-stopping story

to champion CPR and AED training in schools to save even more hearts.

Survivor Gallery Sponsored by:

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Every heart has a story… More tomorrows for dancing

Mary and Angelo DiMartino

Angelo is 78 years young but too old for a new heart. He suffered his first heart attack nearly 20 years ago and

numerous surgeries have followed. Now presenting with end-stage heart

failure, Angelo’s prognosis was not looking good and he was not

a candidate for a heart transplant. Thanks

to new technology at Westchester Medical Center

like the LVAD—an implanted heart

pump-- and other medical treatments,

Angelo gets to resume his active lifestyle and

love for life with his sweetheart of 53 years,

Mary.

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Every heart has a story… A helping hand to heal hearts

Rolly Aguilar, Cardiology Nurse

Rolly has been a nurse for 23 years and he knows all too well that heart disease does not care how you look or where you come from. He has seen thousands of patients come through the doors of Westchester Medical Center—all from different walks of life and backgrounds. He serves them all with the same goal in mind: to provide care, comfort, hope and peace of mind.

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The American Heart Association - Westchester/Fairfield Division presents

Every heart has a story…

Mary and Angelo DiMartino

American Heart Association Mission: to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The AHA’s national impact goal is: by 2020, to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent. www.heart.org

Westchester Medical Center Mission: to serve as the regional healthcare referral center providing high-quality advanced health services to the residents of the Hudson Valley and the surrounding area, regardless of their ability to pay. In support of this primary mission, WMC also serves as an academic medical center committed to education and research that enables advanced care and prepares future generations of care-givers. www.wcmc.com

Photographs by: Venture Photography, Greenwich, CT

Survivor Gallery Sponsored by:

A Survivor Gallery sponsored by Westchester Medical CenterAn inspiring photo exhibition of seven stories of courage, strength and hope.

Thank you to the individuals and families who chose to share their experiences to raise awareness about heart disease.