At the Stony Brook Heart Institute, we measure success not just in clinical outcomes, but in the lives we help our patients reclaim. Behind every statistic and procedure is a person with a unique story, a family and a meaningful life. Our commitment to world-class cardiac care is driven by the goal of getting you back to that life.
The following stories are from patients who placed their trust in our hands. They represent the courage, resilience and hope that inspire our work every day.
Longtime fitness buff Humberto Cordero never expected heart trouble would be part of his story. But after a minor car accident led him to the ER, testing at Stony Brook revealed an aortic root aneurysm — and a complex, valve-sparing aortic root replacement with aortic valve repair helped him get back to the life he loves.
Terrifyingly, doctors had advised Paige Glennerster that her chances of surviving much-needed heart valve surgery were so slim, they would not operate. Surgeons at Stony Brook disagreed, though. Today, Paige is thriving.
After surviving heart failure and organ collapse, Kristin Fludder overcame all odds — recovering fully and giving birth to her third child.
Fitness enthusiast and marathon runner Scott Mandia never imagined heart disease would be part of his story. But a cardiac catheterization at Stony Brook revealed a life-threatening blockage, saving his life and inspiring him to raise awareness about heart health.
An unexpected double diagnosis of severe aortic stenosis and lung cancer turned Marie Baffa's world upside down. Thanks to the expert care at Stony Brook, Marie underwent innovative treatments and is now heart-healthy, cancer-free and back to enjoying life with her family.
A second opinion at Stony Brook changed everything for Jack Brady, uncovering severe coronary blockages that required a life-saving quadruple bypass. Now back to his active lifestyle, Jack is grateful for the care that gave him a second chance and hopes to inspire others to prioritize their heart health.
When multiple health conditions meant Anthony Martinez was not eligible for a cardiac catheterization to clear his blocked coronary arteries, the situation didn’t look good. Despite the odds, a high-risk procedure performed at Stony Brook gave Anthony his life back.
Retired social worker, Jodi Kennedy, 64, suffered a “widow maker” heart attack on August 18, 2020. Learn how, with the help of Stony Brook heart specialists, she was able to turn a near tragedy into triumph.
John Tanzi survived a life-threatening aortic tear thanks to the expertise of Stony Brook Medicine Aortic Center. He was the first on Long Island to receive a newly approved stent graft for aortic dissections.
Brothers Bob and Pete Kaczenski shared more than just a childhood — they both underwent life-saving triple bypass surgeries at Stony Brook Heart Institute just months apart.
Ed O’Donnell, a patient of Stony Brook Heart Institute, describes what it's like to live with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD).
Sometimes being in the right place at the right time can save a life. When Bob Short went into cardiac arrest, he had the good fortune to be right across the street from firefighter Cliff Lesmeister, who administered CPR and called 911.
Joseph was diagnosed with severe heart failure after two heart attacks. At the same time, he discovered he had type 2 diabetes.
