25/12/2025
Our patients tell our stories best!
Belmont Black Heart Patient Testimonial
Kudos to our Advance Cardiac Care Team!
A Second Chance at Life
Sometimes survival comes down to minutes, faith, and the courage of people who refuse to give up on you.
Life can change in an instant, even when you believe you are strong, healthy, and doing everything right. I never imagined that an ordinary stretch of days would lead me into the fight of my life—one that tested my faith, my family, and my strength in ways I never thought possible.
On August 8th, 2025, I began experiencing symptoms that I initially brushed off. As a field service technician at BTL, I was used to pushing myself physically and assumed I had simply overworked my body. Despite the discomfort, I continued working through the weekend. By Monday, the symptoms had not improved, and by Tuesday morning, I could barely stand. That was when my mother insisted I see a doctor—a decision that ultimately saved my life.
I visited Dr. Cawich and explained everything I was feeling. After carefully checking my breathing and lungs and asking about shortness of breath and palpitations, he made the immediate decision to admit me as an emergency precaution. From that moment, everything changed. The necessary calls were made to my family and my workplace to inform them that I had been urgently admitted and that they needed to come. From that point on, nothing was taken lightly, and every step was handled with urgency and care.
A series of tests followed, including a contrast MRI and an echocardiogram. Once the results were in, Dr. Cawich, along with Dr. Lin and Dr. Coye, explained that my body and lungs were retaining too much fluid and that I had a severely damaged aortic heart valve that required urgent surgical repair. Hearing this was overwhelming. I was told that without surgery, my chances of surviving much longer were very slim. Faced with that reality, I made the decision to fight.
Because of Dr. Coye’s urgency and dedication, I was accepted into a heart surgery program under emergency circumstances. Before surgery could take place, I was admitted for several days so my heart could be stabilized and excess fluid removed. I was discharged on August 15th, which allowed me time with my family to prepare mentally and emotionally for what lay ahead.
On Monday, August 18th, I arrived at KHMH for surgery. I met the surgical team brought in through the heart surgery program alongside Dr. Lin and Dr. Coye. While I may not remember every name, I will never forget the kindness, professionalism, and reassurance shown to me. When they learned about the physically demanding nature of my job, they were genuinely shocked that I had been able to continue working with the condition my heart was in. One doctor even said, “I don’t believe you’re climbing ladders and on lampposts.” That moment made the seriousness of my condition very real.
I was admitted to the ICU the night before surgery. Although visitors were not allowed, I was never alone. The nurses were compassionate, patient, and reassuring, reminding me that many patients before me had faced this same journey and gone on to live stronger lives. The calls and messages I received that night reminded me how deeply loved and prayed for I was.
The morning of surgery, my mother was the first to arrive. She is my rock. We laughed, joked, and shared our “see you later.” Even though I knew her heart was heavy, she remained strong for me. I was scared, but faith, hope, and love carried me forward.
The surgery lasted nearly nine hours. For my family, it felt like a lifetime. During the operation, the doctors discovered my condition was far worse than initially expected—my heart was barely holding on. What had once been described as a 50/50 chance shifted to 70/30. Despite the odds, the surgical team never gave up.
After surgery, I was taken back to the ICU and kept sedated. Although the surgery itself was successful, the chances of me waking up were slim. On the second day, attempts to wake me were unsuccessful. Under the guidance of Dr. Coye and the medical team, the decision was made to allow my body more time to rest. On the third day, another attempt was made, and I was told it was up to me.
Everyone has something that pulls them back. For me, it was my precious little niece, Rhia. I remember hearing her voice saying, “Untule, come… come.” That was the moment I began to wake up. I came up fighting, and the first words I said were, “I want lychee and a Coke.” When my mother heard that, she knew instantly that I was back. Tears of joy followed, and the calls went out to family, friends, and coworkers.
My journey was not over. I spent another week in the hospital as my heart remained weak and required close monitoring. I faced challenges breathing on my own and restoring my oxygen levels, but I fought with everything I had. The KHMH staff treated me like family, ensuring I was supported, informed, and cared for every step of the way. On my final day, doctors congratulated me for fighting the toughest battle and witnessing what they described as a miracle.
Recovery continued at home for three months. The first weeks were the hardest, as I could do very little on my own. My mother became my caregiver and overnight nurse. Through pain, patience, and determination, I slowly rebuilt my strength.
Today, I am back at work, walking among my peers. People greet me with smiles and disbelief, some joking that I must never have had surgery because I look brighter and stronger than ever. But I know the truth.
I am alive because of God’s grace, prayer, unwavering family support, and exceptional medical care. From the depths of my heart, I thank Dr. Coye for ensuring I was accepted into the heart surgery program under emergency circumstances, Dr. Lin, Dr. Cawich, the surgical team, ICU staff, nurses, and the entire KHMH family.
KHMH showed up for me in my darkest moment. The care I received reflects how much the hospital has improved and continues to grow. They did everything possible for me—and I truly believe they can do the same for anyone who places their trust in them.
