Category Archives: Inspirational Stories

Michael’s Story: Swift Care and Coordination Save the Life of a 68-Year-Old Man with a Heart Arrhythmia

Michael Wartman said if there is one thing he has learned from his experience at Margaretville Hospital, it is that teamwork makes all the difference in a medical emergency.

“I can’t say enough about everyone who helped me,’’ said Wartman, 68 of Baltimore, MD. “From the exceptional healthcare team at Margaretville Hospital to the first responders who literally carried me across the field to the helicopter. I was very lucky.”

Wartman, who is an avid runner, was visiting his close friend in Margaretville on Columbus Day weekend when he went for a run. As he was running down a steep driveway, he suddenly felt dizzy and fainted. When he returned to his friend’s house, they took his blood pressure. It was so high that they immediately headed for the Emergency Department at Margaretville Hospital. 

Wartman said that after doctors stabilized him, an ambulance took him to a field where they airlifted him to HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston. There, doctors discovered that he had an arrythmia.

“My family has a history of heart disease, so I am glad that doctors were able to diagnose the problem,” said Wartman. He is now back home and is on medication, has returned to running, and says he feels healthier than ever.

“I’m very grateful,” he said. “I would urge anyone to donate to help the hospital. They certainly deserve it.”

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Jessica’s Story: Mom and Twins Survive High-Risk Pregnancy and Premature Birth and are Now Thriving

Jessica Franjul-Pena is grateful for the care she and her twins, Ethan Lorenzo and Katalina, received at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network.

Because Jessica conceived through in vitro fertilization, she was monitored closely from the start of her pregnancy. When she was eighteen weeks pregnant, Jessica was diagnosed with chronic hypertension. She was immediately referred to a maternal medicine specialist at Westchester Medical Center. Ultrasound monitoring also later revealed that one of the twins was not thriving as she should have been, and doctors decided to watch the babies even more closely.  

“I had great doctors,’’ said Jessica. “They were really on top of my case, monitoring me and the babies every step of the way.”

Thirty-three weeks into her pregnancy, Jessica’s doctors discovered her liver enzymes were dangerously high. She had developed superimposed preeclampsia, putting both her and the babies at risk. At that point, her medical team decided it would be safest to induce labor even though the babies would be premature. The twins were born on December 21, 2023 and were sent to the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. Ethan spent 11 days in the NICU and Katalina spent 24 days there.  

“The NICU experience was amazing. Everyone was always so kind. It’s such a difficult job but they always remained friendly and helpful. There’s a lot to learn in caring for a preemie. They teach you so much,” Jessica said.

Now, Jessica, Ethan Lorenzo, and Katalina are all doing well.

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Jack’s Story: Margaretville Hospital Diagnosis and Transport to Trauma Center Saves Local Restaurateur  

In an instant, unexpected health emergencies can happen and when they do, every minute counts. Just ask Jack Zamor. A local restaurateur and 16-year resident of Arkville, Jack juggled busy days and appreciated quiet nights. But one September evening in 2020 was far from quiet. Jack had severe abdominal pain and it would not pass. “It was agony and no matter what I did, there was no relief. Convinced my appendix would burst, I reluctantly texted a friend for help,”  he explained.

Jack soon arrived at the Margaretville Hospital Emergency Department where a CT scan revealed a diagnosis much more urgent than appendicitis. Jack was suffering from an abdominal aortic aneurysm. A rupture would likely be fatal. Arrangements were made for immediate air transport to a trauma center.

“Quick diagnosis and decision making saved my life,” recalls Jack. “I remember wheeling from the hospital onto the ambulance. We then traveled to a field behind the supermarket, which was lit by headlights, to an awaiting medevac helicopter. It took a few minutes, but it seemed like forever.”

Today, Jack is fully recovered and remains extraordinarily grateful for the Margaretville Hospital clinical team – and for life-saving access to trauma-level air transport.

Your support continues to make a difference throughout our community for patients like Jack. Together, we can continue raising the bar because we recognize that health challenges come without warning and for so many patients like Jack, minutes matter. 

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The Coxes’ Story: Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital Helps Couple Manage Son’s Epilepsy

Adam and Ali Cox are grateful for the expertise of doctors in the Pediatric Neurology department at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network. Doctors at the hospital diagnosed their son Christopher with epilepsy and helped the family to manage this serious condition.

Christopher had his first seizure at age one, but others followed and got progressively worse until Drs. Philip Overby and Steven Wolf stepped in. After Christopher’s first seizure, doctors prepared the Coxes by giving them the training and strategies they needed to help Christopher if, and when, a second seizure came. Through vigilance, medication and education, 4-year-old Christopher’s epilepsy is under control. The Coxes are now dedicated to helping educate families like themselves- parents of the more than 470,000 children under the age of 14 in the United States who have Epilepsy.

“To the Pediatric Neurology Department at Maria Fareri – THANK YOU!! You never know when someone may need your help. Children with Epilepsy are some of the most vulnerable, and how wonderful it is to know, especially as a parent of a child with Epilepsy, that there are people who are ready, willing, and able to help. If you are in a position to provide a donation, I could not think of a better cause,” said Adam Cox.

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Katherine’s Story: WMC Helps Woman Who Suffers Life-Threatening Aneurysm While in Greece

Katherine Tsetsekos is grateful for the miracle that returned her to her work and family after being so close to death.

While traveling in Greece, Katherine suffered a life-threatening aneurysm that put her in a coma. Her doctor Chirag Ghandi, MD, said that 50 percent of people who suffer and aneurysm like this one never make it to the hospital and a quarter of those never return to normal. Katherine was one of the lucky ones. Doctors at Westchester Medical Center communicated with doctors abroad, overseeing Katherine’s care until she could be flown home to Westchester Medical Center by air ambulance where she underwent multiple surgeries. With physical rehabilitation and the loving care of her two daughters, Katherine has returned to work and is picking up where she left off in her life.

“I was very fortunate, as we all are to have a hospital where miracles like this can happen.’’

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Andrew’s Story: College Student Gets Back on Track with Therapy at MidHudson Behavioral Center

Andrew is grateful for the treatment he receives from the Behavioral Health Center of Excellence at MidHudson Regional Hospital. As a new college student at a nearby school, Andrew felt lost. He found himself sinking deeper and deeper and didn’t know where to turn. His sessions with Marshal Sheldon, a mental health therapist at MidHudson Regional Hospital helped him to put things in perspective and refocus his priorities. Working with Marshall, Andrew gained insight and skills to cope with depression and anxiety.

“I found it really hard to find my place. So, I ended up spending a lot of time on wrong priorities when I should have been focusing on doing well in my classes,” he said. “I ended up isolating and making it so much worse by cutting myself off from everybody.  Until I started talking to Marshall, I never really made an actual connection with someone. I feel like I can talk to him on more personal level.’’

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Amanda’s Story: Cancer Care Close to Home Provides Support for Young Mother

Amanda Batista is grateful for the care she received at HealthAlliance Hospital’s Infusion Center after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Shortly after giving birth to her first daughter in March of 2020, Amanda Batista noticed a lump in her breast. At first she thought it was related to breast feeding until she got the diagnosis. Despite the fact that she was knowledgeable about cancer, she said she was still terrified.

“That’s why it was so important to have a place like HealthAlliance Hospital. A place close to home where you can receive the support you need. That is invaluable. I remember my first day of chemo. I wondered whether I would live to see my daughter turn 1, but after my first time at the Infusion Center, I felt like they got me. They were so thoughtful and caring. I’ll never be able to express how grateful I am,’’ said Amanda.

Amanda is now cancer free and enjoying her role as a new mother.

“Without HealthAlliance Hospital and the Oncology Support Group, I don’t know how I would have made it. It allowed me to continue working full-time. If I had to travel for care, not to mention taking care of a baby, it would have been impossible. Having this infusion center so close to home, was such a blessing,” she said.

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Karen’s Story: Pure Gold

Karen Gauvin knows the ins and outs of great healthcare. She spent much of her career working in hospitals, sub-acute rehabilitation and home care. 

Her high regard for the staff at St. Anthony Community Hospital mostly comes from her father’s multiple inpatient stays there. “The staff are amazing,” Karen said, “I was impressed straight through all aspects of Dad’s care. He received excellent medical attention and was much loved.”

Karen now works in real estate in Warwick. The hospital is one of her selling points. “I always talk about St. Anthony; it is pure gold, right here in the heart of Warwick!”

Also a member of the hospital’s Foundation, Karen said that she hopes community members appreciate the importance of doing what they can – large or small – to support local healthcare. “We are a nonprofit that uses contributions to advance health services, and every contribution helps make a difference. I donate and serve on the Foundation because I am grateful, I want to give back and I want to do my part to make Warwick an even better community.”

Karen Gauvin is a Warwick resident, Bon Secours Warwick Health Foundation Board of Directors member, Licensed Real Estate Broker/Owner, OUR HOUSE Real Estate Group, LLC.

Join Karen Gauvin and show your gratitude at Give.WMCHealth.org/SACH

Share your story at InfoBSCH@wmhealth.org

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Ron’s Story: We Support Local Healthcare

I have lived in Warwick since 1948. Of course, St. Anthony Community Hospital was a very different place at that time. But what has stayed the same is that it is always here for all of us. The staff knows what they’re doing and they do it well.

My wife Marge and I have donated to the hospital for many years. This is an extremely important local resource that uses contributions to support the healthcare it provides our community.

St. Anthony has been important to my family. My mom worked in the Medical Records Department in the 1950s. Over the years, we have received care at the hospital many times. Our two children were born there and my wife had major surgery there. When I became extremely ill, St. Anthony’s doctors ran extensive tests before they referred me elsewhere for specialized care. I was impressed — they knew what was beyond the purview of their expertise. They did everything right. 

Many years ago, I was on the Foundation Board of Directors and then served on the Hospital Board. It was inspiring to see how St. Anthony’s leaders and staff were committed to do their best for the town and the hospital. I know that commitment still holds true from everything we continue to see.

One of the best things a community can have is a hospital like ours. When we send our charitable gifts, we always request that they be used for the Warwick Healthcare Campus, since St. Anthony is part of a larger healthcare network. Marge and I are proud to make donations that help support our local hospital, and we thank others who do the same. We are lucky to have St. Anthony.

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Kelly’s Story: Lifeline to High Quality Care

Kelly Decker has seen time and again how Bon Secours Community Hospital is our tri-state lifeline to high quality healthcare.  As a husband, father, educator, first responder, patient, and the Port Jervis mayor, he understands how important it is that we can count on Bon Secours’ staff for top-notch, compassionate care.

Kelly Decker is beyond grateful to the teams at Bon Secours Community Hospital for providing excellent care and taking the time to patiently explain each step in his treatment. Even during the most stressful days of the pandemic, he said the staff cared for him — and countless others — with respect and kindness. 

“Donations to Bon Secours – from people like us – help ensure that our community continues to receive state-of-the-art healthcare. Let’s stand together to support our local hospital.”

— Kelly Decker, Port Jervis Mayor, Port Jervis Teacher, Lifelong Port Jervis Resident

Join Kelly and show your gratitude at Give.WMCHealth.org/BSCH.

Share your story at InfoBSCH@wmhealth.org.

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