07/17/2025
Grade-school teacher Tomekia thought she was living right—exercising regularly, consciously eating healthier, fasting, and praying—so she never imagined having a terrible headache meant she was having a stroke. But when the headache didn’t improve and she started experiencing left-side weakness, she went to Piedmont Eastside's ER. The ER team immediately recognized her symptoms and gave her lifesaving treatment.
But what caused a stroke in an otherwise healthy woman? The cardiac team at Piedmont Heart Lawrenceville told her: Tomekia had had an undiagnosed hole in her heart since birth and needed surgery.
Even after her pain, her rush to the hospital, and her heart surgery, if you ask Tomekia about her ordeal, her first response is "God is so good, even on a bad day.” When she felt fear, Piedmont cardiologist Dr. Rowe reassured her. She says, “From the moment I walked into his office, he and his team were amazing. His bedside manners are impeccable. There wasn't a time during or after where I didn't have complete trust in him.”
Tomekia’s family, friends, and coworkers provided an incredible support system, but she also praises her care team at Piedmont. “From the moment I rolled in until the day I was discharged, everyone—the nurses, the doctors, the techs, the therapists and the dietitians—made my healing journey better.” And her strong faith sustained her through the days when she needed grace and encouragement.
“I ask God daily in my morning prayers and meditation to be used as a vessel and to help me to ‘Live with Purpose, on Purpose, for His Purpose,’” she says. “That was the moment that I began my healing journey. It’s part of my purpose to share my testimony with great hopes to help others in this journey called life.” We’re so glad we provided the quality care Tomeika needed so she can continue to live her purpose.
