Heart patient will be on field to help unfurl Bear Down flag at Aug. 27 Chicago Bears game

Posted August 22, 2016 11:00 pm

Jim Silvestri, Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital

DOWNERS GROVE - An Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital patient will enjoy a rare on-field opportunity with the Chicago Bears on Saturday thanks to Advocate Health Care's partnership with the NFL team.

Woodridge resident Victor Scumaci will help unfurl the "Bear Down" flag during pregame ceremonies at the

Aug. 27 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. In 2013, Scumaci suffered a heart attack at the age of 44 without

a family history of heart disease or common risk factors such as obesity or diabetes.

He was brought via ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital where a life-saving stent was quickly placed in his heart to open up the 100 percent blockage of his coronary artery. Victor participated in Good Samaritan Hospital's cardiac rehabilitation program for 12 weeks. Today, he is happy, healthy and making the most of his second chance.

"I am living proof that a heart attack can happen to anyone," said Victor, who will celebrate his 48th birthday next week with his wife and three children.

Good Samaritan Hospital is part of Advocate Health Care, which is a sponsor of the Chicago Bears.

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