Heart patients honored at United Center during Bulls' HoopsandHearts Game with Advocate Health Care
Advocate Health Care partnered with the Chicago Bulls to host the #HoopsandHearts Game, an evening promoting heart health awareness. At the game, seven Advocate Health Care heart patients, their guests, and care teams from the Chicago area were honored at the United Center when the Bulls took on the Orlando Magic.
Tanisha Aguayo was one of the patients recognized at the game. She was admitted to Advocate Christ Hospital with congestive heart failure. Shortly after being admitted, she was number one on the heart transplant list but her heart kept stopping and in order to save her life she received an LVAD (left ventricular assist device). Later she was brought back to the hospital for a direct heart donation that came to fruition through her sister's best friend Vicki Walker's daughter, Nikki Smith. Tanisha's story was highlighted during the game with her donor's mom and Dr. Sunil Pauwaa, a transplant cardiologist on her care team.
"I'm grateful to be here and get to tell my story," said Aguayo. "Hearing my heart beat again after the transplant was an indescribable feeling. Something I will never take for granted."
Walthal Griffin was another patient who survived a heart transplant. Griffin came to Advocate Christ Hospital knowing something was going on. He couldn't walk 10 steps without taking a breath and after several appointments doctors confirmed he had congestive heart failure. He was in the hospital for over a year even developing a lung infection and prostate cancer after the transplant however persevered through it all.
"I would like to thank the Advocate Health Care heart team first and foremost. Without them being so thoughtful, supportive and on time with the plan I probably wouldn't be living to tell my story," said Griffin.
He will be the honorary ball presenter at Monday's game.
Transplant cardiologist at Advocate Health Care, Dr. Sunil Pauwaa, was a part of Tanisha's and Walthal's care team. He gave some tips on heart health and CPR and how it can save lives to all the fans during the game. The game is a tribute to honor heart disease survivors and fighters and raise awareness.
"Thank you to the Bulls and Advocate Health Care for bringing heart disease awareness to fans this month. Knowing the risk factors and symptoms of heart disease, like family history and lifestyle factors is important," said Dr. Sunil Pauwaa "It's also important to eat heart healthy foods, keep stress at bay, educate yourself on CPR and see your primary care doctor regularly to help prevent and spot heart disease early on."
In honor of Heart Month and Valentine's Day, heart patients participated in a "fan tunnel experience" where they high-fived players as they head onto the court, enjoyed a banquet before the game, and one of the patients even presented the game ball.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., affecting men, women and people of all ethnic backgrounds. That's why it's important to schedule a heart scan, which can help reveal your risk of heart disease and help prevent heart attacks. Visit advocatehealth.com/heart to learn more.