The speech went well. I was really nervous but after reading for a moment or two, I calmed down. Cara took video on my phone, but I'm not sure I'm ready to watch yet. I am going to copy my speech below for anyone who is interested in reading it. It was more focused on the care I received, then what happened to me (as it was a fundraiser for St. Mary's).
After the gala, we changed and went downtown with some friends to watch some bluegrass. Not something we normally do, but it was fun! I had a glass of red wine at dinner, but this was my first time really being out and not being allowed to drink. I was tired, and wished I could have another drink or two to loosen up and have fun with everyone, but it was still a good time.
Yesterday, we got invited to a friends house for dinner. They were grilling hot dogs and brats. Obviously, not really great for you at all. But they said we should bring whatever, so I made up some really lean hamburger patties and got some whole wheat buns and we grilled those too, so I could eat a little better. I just ate small amounts of the side dishes she made. It was really fun. They have a little baby who is crawling around, so she was fun to play with.
I lost another pound over the weekend, haven't weighed myself today, but so far 11.5 lbs down. I may have said that in the last post, I can't remember. :)
So here is my speech for those interested. (The last paragraph was what they needed me to say to start the part where people give money, lol) Oh, and I know I will hear about it if I don't give her her royalties, so my friend Sarah helped me with A LOT of editing. Thanks Sarah!
Prior to a month ago, my experience with St. Mary's Medical Center was limited to several waiting room visits for my accident prone boyfriend. I really didn’t know much about the hospital or their facilities, and couldn’t imagine I would need to. Exactly one month ago today, that all changed.
I woke up on February 3rd with a fierce upper back pain unlike anything I've felt before. I didn’t know what was causing it, but luckily I listened to my body and went to the St. Mary’s Emergency Room. I was quickly admitted and seen by the doctor who didn't dismiss any of my symptoms, as I felt several physicians had over the years. As much as I hoped it was just a muscle pain, they wanted to be safe and promptly performed an EKG. As it turned out, I was having a heart attack at age 25.
Everyone sprang into action after seeing the abnormal EKG. I was moved and hooked up to monitors and immediately taken for a MRI. They sent me into the cardiac cath lab to have two stents placed in my right coronary artery. I was terrified. The staff in the cath lab was there to talk to me about what was going on and did their best to put me at ease. They spoke to me the entire time and also kept my family informed about my progress. They never gave me the chance to think anything other than that I was going to be okay. I had no idea St. Mary’s had the technology they do. The cath lab was state of the art and I never doubted the care I was receiving. It’s hard to believe, but even after having a heart attack the staff had me laughing.
I spent two more days at St. Mary's and experienced multiple nurses and doctors. They were there for everything I needed. As shocked as everyone was to walk into a heart patient’s room and see a 25 year old female, they were great about explaining my condition. They not only took care of me physically, but prepared me for the emotional journey ahead. The healthcare team was there to answer all of my questions and concerns. The communication between patient, nurse, doctor, and staff was something to be extremely proud of.
Cardiac rehab visited me in my room, showed me a video, and educated me on exactly what happened in my body and the changes I should make in my life to get better. They shared with me the importance of rehab and how they would get me on track to a long healthy life. I’ve been participating in their program for two weeks now, and feel like I am gaining the knowledge to take control over my heart disease. For the first time in my life, I look forward to a workout, and am already seeing the progress that a healthy lifestyle can provide. They have made me feel so comfortable, and I know that they genuinely care. The cardiac staff is only giving me the option for success.
I finally feel in control of my health and am excited about the future I can have. I am gaining the tools to live a full and active life, despite having heart disease at such a young age. I cannot thank St. Mary’s enough for giving me so much hope for my future.
This hospital saved my life and now I feel like I have another family and support team. We are so fortunate to have St. Mary’s Medical Center in our community to handle unique & critical situations like mine. For them to be able to provide these kinds of services, they must have vital state of the art equipment to be able to treat patients with the highest quality of care…like they did for me. I am asking each of you to consider making a gift to the fund-a-need tonight and to help make it possible for St. Mary’s to continue their quality & compassionate care.
Some pics from the night...
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