HOBART — Among the heart patients, caregivers and others gathered Wednesday for the Hearts of Hope program at St. Mary Medical Center was Mary Jo Hopkins of Hobart, who as much as anyone has demonstrated the power of positive thinking during her 13-year struggle.
After three heart surgeries, nine stints and a valve replacement, Hopkins still radiates hope and happiness.
“I had a double bypass in 2003, and within five weeks, it failed,” she told the audience. “This led to another surgery and then I was fine for nine years.”
Her health failed again in February 2013.
“I had another open heart surgery and replaced a valve,” she said. “Since then, I’ve done just fine.”
The Hearts for Health program is organized so participants can show their support, encourage one another and raise funds for research. Hopkins’ surgeon, Dr. Felix Gozo, also addressed the crowd, telling them he performed his first open-heart surgery 31 years ago.
“Every light on this tree represents someone we love and who is very important to us,” he said. “St. Mary’s patients are in many of the programs for heart research. We collect data and monitor results to develop the best safety situations, as well as the highest quality of cardiac care for my patients.”
Hopkins spoke highly of the care she received at St. Mary Medical Center, especially her visits to the Cardiac Rehab Department.
“I think it’s so important to attend cardiac rehab,” she said. “It’s for anyone with heart problems, even if they haven’t had surgery.”
This type of rehab program, which includes both pulmonary and cardiac patients, serves many purposes, according to nurse Deborah Brink, who works in that unit of the hospital.
“It helps with cardiovascular endurance,” she said. “And it also helps psychologically to share stories. It’s good support for others who may be dealing with the same issues.”
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Money from the sale of the hundreds of lights on the colorfully decorated red-and-white tree will go toward research on heart disease.
Katie and Bernie Baum of Hobart attended the Hearts of Hope event in tribute to their son Charlie Baum, who died from a stroke last month. He’d suffered a stroke five years earlier, too, but had recovered. The Hobart couple purchased a light in remembrance of Charlie.
“This is wonderful that the hospital found a unique way to honor heart patients,” Katie Baum said. “And it’s great that the money raised will be put into research.”
Hopkins also is a member of “Mended Hearts,” a new support program for heart patients.
“It makes me feel good to be able to talk to these people,” Katie Baum said. “Many of them have the same concerns I’ve had and they can relate to me.”
She also added that her faith helped her meet the challenges of the numerous heath issues she has faced.
“I did a lot of praying,” she said. “I have a deep faith in God and I believe that’s what got me through it all.”
Learn more
For more information about the Mended Hearts organization at St. Mary Medical Center, call (219) 947-6085.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.