A MESSAGE FROM THE CAMPAIGN CHAIR

We probably all know someone who has been affected by heart disease… maybe a family member, a friend, or even yourself! After all, it is the leading cause of death in our country.

I was honored to share my story in the 2021 Annual Report of Giving, but I feel even luckier to be here today to share more about my cardiac journey – and boy, is it a journey.

In 2019 I had a stress test that revealed blockages in my coronary arteries, which were limiting blood flow to my heart. Dr. Kurt Kaulback suggested an elective PCI (to take place at Cooper University Hospital since it could not be done at the time within Inspira), where a stent would be placed to re-open my arteries. Soon after in 2020, symptoms began to resurface, and I underwent triple bypass open heart surgery at only 46 years old.

In 2021 it was announced that community hospitals – such as Inspira Health – could now provide non-emergent, elective PCI (the stent procedure I previously received at Cooper University Hospital). As a longtime supporter of Inspira Health, I was thrilled and jumped on board to help in any way I could. A few months later in early 2022, Inspira Medical Centers Mullica Hill and Vineland received their licenses to provide elective PCI – and I’m thankful they did. Because in September, I underwent another elective PCI, this time at Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill. Everyone thinks “that will never happen to me”... I know I did! I was healthy and active, running 25 miles a week. I never thought that I would be here today, having had multiple stenting procedures and a triple bypass open heart surgery all before I’m 50.

I understand more than most just how essential it is to have access to high-quality cardiology services, because you truly never know when you or someone you love will need it.

With your support of the All Heart campaign, we will expand Inspira Health’s cardiology services — increasing accessibility to proactive and life-saving cardiac care within our community for your families, friends, neighbors, and patients of all ages!

Please consider making an investment in high-quality health care for our region. On behalf of Inspira Health, thank you in advance for your consideration.

Jeffrey George Community Member & All Heart Campaign Chair