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Visit the charity's profileWithout the support of the cardiac rehabilitation team at Banner Health North Colorado Medical Center (NCMC), Jose Longoria doesn't think he'd be alive and moving the way he is today.
With a history of heart issues in his family, good heart health was not in his genes. He lost his mother and uncle to heart attacks, so he knew he was at risk too. He just didn't think it would happen as soon as it did.
In 2018, at 39 years old, Jose suffered a heart attack.
"I remember thinking I had to say goodbye to my family and that I was going to die," he said. "My mom and uncle didn't make it, so I thought I had no chance of making it either."
But he did. He credits his faith for that.
After the heart attack, surgeons implanted a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) in Jose's heart, which is a mechanical device he wore everywhere that helped the main pumping chamber of his heart pump blood to the rest of his body. This was when he was initially introduced to the cardiac rehab program at NCMC, of which he graduated and learned how to live with the device in his body.
Jose continued to experience several heart problems and, eventually, complications with his LVAD that had him in and out of the hospital. There were some days he felt so sick he could not move. Then one day, he got a phone call from his doctor.
"We have a heart for you."
After almost 2 years of waiting on the transplant list for a new, working heart, it was Jose's turn. He had his heart transplant surgery in February 2020, and shortly thereafter, he started the cardiac rehab program at NCMC again this time, with a heart that came from a generous organ donor.
"Once you get a new organ, your body's natural instinct is to reject it," he explained. "After surgery, even just standing up again is hard. Its a whole new way of living, and the program teaches you how to live in that new way. "
Nate Pearcy, Exercise Physiology Supervisor for Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab Services at NCMC, plays an active role in assisting patients who go through the cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, including Jose. Both programs consist of 36 sessions, and patients meet with the rehab team two to three times per week for an hour per session.
"They become part of our family," Pearcy said. "These patients become reliant on our team and trust us to the point where we develop very special relationships. We get to know them so well that we could pick out their electrocardiograms (EKGs) in a lineup. "
People who experience a heart attack, procedure, or surgery benefit from the cardiac program. Individuals who benefit from the pulmonary rehab program are those with chronic lung disease, such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, pulmonary hypertension, or interstitial lung disease.
The rehabilitation programs help patients build muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance through regular exercise. All patients receive a customized program tailored to their ability and tolerance.
"When you are active, your heart and lungs will work harder to supply your tissues and organs with oxygen," explained Ashlee Kronholm, Exercise Physiologist at NCMC. "Just as exercise can make your muscles stronger, it will also make your heart and lungs stronger. "
Patients also receive continuing education on topics relevant to their condition. For example, pulmonary patients are taught breathing techniques and how to recognize adverse symptoms, while cardiac patients learn heart-healthy recipes and how their medications work.
Without participation in the program, patients can struggle with medication side effects, the aftermath of surgery, or their condition in general. Learning lifestyle changes can improve patients overall health and quality of life, and save lives by preventing future problems.
"The end goal is to get people back on their feet, doing the things they enjoy in their life after a significant heart or lung event," Pearcy said. "A lot of these patients have looked death in the eye, and mortality is a serious thing to them. We give them confidence to do the things they enjoy again."
With Jose's personal experience of suffering a heart attack at just 39 years of age, he expressed, "If you or a loved one ever thinks you're experiencing a heart attack, don't wait it out seek emergency care immediately. "
Paul Pitt has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is a recent graduate of NCMCs pulmonary rehab program. He first noticed mild symptoms of his condition while living in Nashville 15 years ago, but his move in 2016 to the higher altitude in Colorado made them worse.
Unhealthy oxygen levels led his pulmonologist to refer him to the program, and after several sessions, Paul noticed he could move and walk more with less shortness of breath.
"The issue with COPD is that if you don't learn how to control it, its going to get a lot worse to the point where you may need a lung transplant," Paul said. "This program teaches you how to live with your condition and any down-the-road symptoms so that you're prepared."
Before the program, Paul said he couldn't walk a block without needing to stop to catch his breath. Now, he can walk continuously for a mile and a half and go up a flight of stairs without needing a break. Most importantly, he can play with his active Border Collie-Shepherd mix, and even picked up singing in his church choir again.
"A lot of people don't realize how everyday things like singing, walking, and eating are tied to your breathing," Paul said. "I've noticed so many improvements in about everything that I do."
Kronholm credited Paul's consistency and determination for his success in the program.
"He didn't limit himself to exercising just in class," Kronholm said. "He would participate in regular home exercise and that is important in retaining what you gain. Exercise doesn't have to be a daunting thing; every little bit helps. "
Jose also spoke to how the program changed his life. He started the program on a walker and connected to a breathing machine. Now, he can run a sub-20-minute mile, walk up a few flights of stairs, and lift 20-pound dumbbells without worry.
The programs not only teach patients valuable information and how to exercise; they also provide patients with a sense of community. Doctors and clinicians can help with medical issues but cant relate to the patient like someone who also has a heart or lung condition can. Being surrounded by others going through similar situations, pushes patients to better themselves and take control of their lives together.
"I am hoping its forward-looking from here on out," Jose said. "The rehab program provided me with a support system and medical help when I needed it most. I always felt like more than just a patient to Nate and his team. It changed my life. "
For 23 years, the Turkey Trot event has been a huge contributor of financial resources for the cardiac and pulmonary rehab programs at NCMC. The funds from the annual race go directly to patients who need help paying for their rehabilitation.
" Because of the Turkey Trot, we have the ability to provide rehabilitation for patients who would not traditionally be able to afford it, whether for copay or insurance reasons," Pearcy explained. "I am confident this financial assistance doubles our programs participation when compared to any other program in the region. "
Cost is one of the major factors as to why only about half of all patients who qualify for cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation actually attend a rehab program.
"When we cover cost, we allow patients to worry about getting better rather than on their finances," Pearcy said. "The Turkey Trot provides financial alleviation for the people who need to be here and want to be here but cant afford it."
By participating in this year's virtual race, the Greeley community can help to ensure people like Paul and Jose continue receiving the care they need to live the healthiest, strongest lives possible.
"Without these programs, people would die," Jose concluded. "You need someone in the medical field who can build you up again and care for you when you experience something you didn't plan for. You need someone who knows when you're having a hard time but also knows when its OK to push you. If it weren't for Nate and his team, I don't know what would've happened to me. And I hope I never have to know. "
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