09/17/2025
On July 20, Nicky Napper, a strong and active 66-year-old who works full-time and manages his farm in Dawson County, was admitted to Covenant Medical Center with what was initially believed to be pneumonia.
Pulmonologist Dr. Marque Hunter quickly suspected something more serious. Additional tests revealed Nicky had suffered a heart attack.
The next day, Cardiologist Dr. Marina Iskandir performed an angiogram that uncovered severe blockage in his heart. Cardiac Thoracic Surgeon Dr. David Malave was consulted, and a few days later, Nicky underwent a successful triple bypass.
Throughout his recovery, Nicky and his family expressed that they were surrounded by compassionate care. Dr. Hunter, Dr. Iskandir, Dr. Malave, and Heather Greene, NP, checked in daily with not only medical updates, but also words of comfort and encouragement. They are also grateful for the incredible team on the unit, including his nurse Armondo, case manager Annette, and the physical and occupational therapy teams.
His daughter, a Covenant nurse of 10 years, shared:
“As a nurse myself for 16 years, and a Covenant employee for 10 years, this was my first time experiencing care from the other side. I could not be more proud to be part of this organization.”
Today, Nicky is doing well and continues to recover each day.