10/21/2025
✨️Real stories from real people ✨️
In 2022, I was playing a table tennis match in the Rutland Activity Center, when my heart stopped completely. I fell straight backwards and was caught by the quick reactions of Caroline Bauer, Wilf Pauls and Ed Lo. Greg Metzger immediately began CPR and applied the AED machine. Twelve minutes later the paramedics arrived. After receiving a triple bypass, I returned to playing table tennis. It gave me a new purpose to help improve my health and lifestyle. This year in the winter of 2025, during a tournament, I collapsed again. A pacemaker has brought me back to the game I love! In September, I had the opportunity to play in the BC 55+ Games in Nanaimo. Coming home with a Bronze Medal in Men’s 80+ Competitive Singles and a Silver in Men’s 75-79 Doubles has confirmed my resolve to encourage others. My Mission is to give back to the Kelowna Hospital, C.O.A.C.H. [Central Okanagan Association for Cardiac Health] and health professionals in several ways: Assisting others in table tennis. Sharing Nutrition information. Giving Fitness advice to others. My plan is to meet and play table tennis, assisting Seniors by providing a forum for questions and physical and social interactions. Hopefully, this will include local opportunities as well as travel to many other Senior Centres in communities throughout British Columbia.
Thank you, Christian, for sharing your journey ❤️