My name is Bill Carrigan, and I live in Aurora. I am 53 years old, happily married with two great daughters. Twenty months ago, I had the good fortune of being a patient of Southlake’s Cardiac Care Program. This experience was life changing in many ways…including that I no longer take for granted how fortunate we are to have a world class cardiac care facility right here in York Region. I want to share my story to encourage you and others to support the Southlake Cardiac Care Program, one that has had such a positive impact to so many people in York Region and beyond.
During the early part of 2008, I wasn’t feeling too well. Tired, lethargic, minor pains that I couldn’t explain…I finally smartened up and went to see my doctor. A few tests and a referral to a cardiologist indicated angina, which eventually led to an angiogram in early September. It was here where I received two pieces of bad news. First, I was required to have coronary bypass surgery; and second, I had to stop golfing immediately. I am still not sure which one was worse!
As it turned out, it really was good news all around! The quadruple bypass that I had on November 5th gave me the opportunity to continue to live life to the fullest…and gave me a break from my (not so good) golf game. Six hours of surgery, six days in hospital, six weeks off work, and six months in cardiac rehab is all that it took. Now my heart continues to be strong, my arteries are clear, my health is great and my outlook is fantastic! My prognosis is excellent and my golf game is…well, still not that good!
The Southlake Cardiac Care Program is an integrated approach to heart health care within York Region. Starting with a strong and well-informed network of general physicians and cardiologists within the community; proactive communication around pre-operative procedures and available support; highly skilled surgeons and nurses; wonderful volunteers; fantastic post-operative care, support and attention from the Rehab Clinic - all within a world-class facility that is right in our backyard! Along with support from family and friends, the effort, care, support and education from the Southlake Regional Cardiac Care program was absolutely critical to my recovery. This program has truly given me a new 'lease on life'.
Now it is my turn to give back to the Cardiac Care Program. For the 2nd year, I am part of a great group of local volunteers who have been for many years successfully running a winter Mardi Gras fundraiser in support of the Regional Cancer Program at Southlake. Last year, we brought the Mardi Gras atmosphere to the golf course, and raised $10,000. I am once again thrilled to again help organize and participate in The 2nd Annual MardiGolf Tournament in support of the Southlake Cardiac Care Program, at the prestigious King Valley Golf Club on Monday, September 13.
I am hoping that you will also see the opportunity to help. Please join us for a day of great golf, great food and great fun. Sponsorship and donation opportunities are also available. For more information, please visit www.mardigrasforsouthlake.com or contact me directly.
This is an opportunity to support a great cause within York Region, and give something back to a place where bad news turns into good news.
Thank you for talking the time to read my story, and giving consideration to supporting the event. I look forward to hear your story on September 13.
Bill Carrigan
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