In July 2019, Ivan felt a sudden, sharp pain in his chest. It lasted only seconds, but something wasn’t right. Within moments, he was rushed to Margaretville Hospital, a member of WMCHealth — where the team quickly recognized a life-threatening emergency.
He was airlifted to Westchester Medical Center for surgery. What seemed minor was a ruptured aortic aneurysm. Surgical teams worked for more than 10 hours to save his life. The speed and coordination of his care made all the difference, giving him a chance many patients never get.
“The nurses, the doctors, everyone was amazing,” Ivan shared. “They explained everything and supported my family, too.”
His recovery was complex, requiring additional procedures and constant care. Through it all, his team never wavered.
After one of many surgeries, Ivan was determined to regain his strength. As he took his first steps down the hallway, the caregivers who had supported him throughout his journey cheered him on.
“They made me feel supported and strong,” he said.
Today, Ivan is back to the life he loves, grateful for every moment.
His story is made possible by rapid coordination, expert care, and donors like you.
Donate Now: wmchealth.org/mhdonate
More inspirational stories from Westchester Medical Center:
Ivan’s Story: When Seconds Matter, a Community Comes Together to Save a Life
Living Proof of What’s Possible: Fern’s Story of Survival and Gratitude
Lucy’s Story: A Nurse Becomes the Patient—and Finds the Life-saving Care She Once Gave Others
Chris’s Story: An Ironworker Fights for His Life After a Catastrophic Fall and Today Serves As an Inspiration to All
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,…
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…
Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson is a partner of Thompson & Bender. Founded in 1986, the agency is the region’s premier advertising and public relations firm. As a partner in the firm, Mrs. Bracken-Thompson is responsible for a wide variety of clients representing a broad spectrum of business sectors including Fortune 500 firms; banks and financial institutions; educational institutions; not-for-profits; hospitals and health care organizations; the travel and hospitality industry; food and beverage sector; senior residential living; commercial real estate developers; environmental and business organizations, among others.
Rocco J. Pucino III is the VP/Retail Banking Officer at Ulster Savings Bank’s Kingston headquarters. In Mr. Pucino’s new role, he will is responsible for overseeing and directing the Retail Banking area by providing guidance and support to the bank’s 15 branch locations.
