Many to thank for heart attack survival

On the morning of Feb. 17, I suffered a heart attack at my place of business, JB Winterberry. Sounds pretty cut and dry. But due to the incredible efforts of the Wheaton Fire Department Engine 31 - Geoff, Nathan and Tom - they somehow were able to lift me up 23 steps from the "Secret Garden" into our hallway and out into the street where the ambulance awaited me. I understand my vitals were weak and they immediately set forth their lifesaving skills and saved my life. Also that morning, LaVelle Davis, a retired nurse and one of our part-time employees, urgently set me down before the paramedics arrived, checked my vitals and gave me that all-important aspirin, again warding off a more severe heart attack. A friend and customer, Denise Kennedy stood by me with diligence and more or less scolded me into going to the emergency room, as I was being a horrible patient and did not want to go, believing these symptoms would pass (tightness in the chest and pain in my jaw). Denise kept insisting, and I wanted my partner/daughter Julie to drive me. I thank God that everything went according to God's plan and the ambulance did take me to Central DuPage Hospital. The paramedics were equipped to handle the situation; without them and my other "guardian angels" that day, I wouldn't have made it. Women, please listen to the signs. I am a very healthy, active baby boomer with no family history of heart disease, no high blood pressure, cholesterol in check and a healthy diet. The doctors said it just happened. Please don't ignore any unusual symptoms no matter how small and remember, carry aspirin in your purse. I was lucky ... will you be as lucky too?

Barb Mueller

Co-owner, JB Winterberry

Wheaton