On November 6, 2021, Rick and Natalie were poised to celebrate a milestone in their lives—their anniversary.
This day was meant to be a joyful occasion, a celebration of love, companionship and retirement adventures. However, the days leading up to their special moment took an unexpected turn that neither of them could have foreseen.
The Friday before their anniversary marked the beginning of a harrowing experience for Rick. He had just completed an intense workout as a part of a new health and fitness focus he was quickly becoming passionate about. With energy coursing through him, he was excited to head out and perform with his band, New Brew.
Both Rick and Natalie had embraced retirement wholeheartedly, indulging in their passions and making the most of their golden years. Following his performance that evening, Rick returned home, expressing to Natalie how utterly exhausted he felt. In his mind, this fatigue was merely a consequence of having pushed himself hard at the gym.
However, as November 6 dawned, the exhaustion lingered. Rick noticed that he was still feeling unusually tired and decided it would be best to take a low-key approach to their anniversary celebrations, except for paying a gig with his band that evening, of course! But by Sunday, the situation escalated. Rick began experiencing troubling symptoms—difficulties with his breathing, a sign that something serious was amiss. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, he turned to Natalie with a determined look and said it might be time to seek medical help.
They made their way to the Mercy Health – Rookwood Medical Center Emergency Department, where a series of tests revealed startling news: Rick had experienced a heart attack. The lab work indicated significant issues that required urgent attention, leading to a transfer by ambulance to The Jewish Hospital—Mercy Health. Natalie, always by his side, returned home briefly to gather necessities before rushing to join him.
Upon her arrival at The Jewish Hospital, Natalie learned that Rick had been taken into surgery. Adam Raskin, MD, the on-call surgeon, was responsible for Rick’s care that day. Amidst the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, hospital protocols limited her presence; she could only wait anxiously until after the surgery. When Dr. Raskin emerged, Natalie felt a wave of relief when he informed her that Rick had made it through the procedure and that they had successfully placed a stent. However, she was struck by the gravity of his words when he added that Rick was lucky to be alive.
Rick was then moved to the ICU. Though groggy from the anesthesia, he was conscious and stable. During the surgery, the medical team had also installed an Impella heart pump. This device served as a crucial support system while they addressed a critical issue—Rick had a complete blockage in one of his arteries, often referred to as the “widowmaker.”
Once stabilized, Rick was transferred to Mercy Health—West Hospital under the care of Dr. Patel to supervise his rigorous recovery journey. His hospital stay lasted for an extensive 19 days, a time filled with uncertainty and challenges. However, thanks to the firm support from Natalie and our excellent medical team, he was finally discharged the day after Thanksgiving — a day that symbolized gratitude and new beginnings.
Rick’s journey did not end with his discharge. He was fitted with a pacemaker and a defibrillator, tools that would aid in his ongoing heart health. He received exceptional support through cardio rehab, which played a significant role in his recovery. By spring, he faced a stress test—a daunting milestone on his path to full recovery. To his delight, he passed with flying colors, evidence of his resilience and determination.
The time came when Rick returned to the stage with New Brew, resuming the music he loved just eight months after his heart attack. Yet, life held more surprises; during his hospital stay, he received another diagnosis—diabetes. Though it was a lot to take in, Rick and Natalie approached this challenge with the same tenacity they had demonstrated throughout their journey.
Rick and Natalie’s story is not just about surviving a heart attack; it represents resilience, love and the power of support. Their anniversary, once a day of simple celebration, transformed into a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the incredible strength found in togetherness. As they reflect on their experiences, they are grateful for each other and the new lease on life they have been granted.
Learn more about the heart and vascular services we provide at Mercy Health.
