Surviving Cardiac Arrest – A Heartfelt Patient Reunion
The Beat Goes On is an event that connects survivors of major cardiac events with the first responders and the Fairfield Medical Center team members who cared for them in their time of critical need. This is the third year FMC has hosted this celebration, which highlights the gift of second chances, the joy of new milestones and the long-lasting bonds that caregivers form with patients and their families. On March 6, five cardiac arrest and critically ill heart patients – along with their biggest supporters – attended the reunion to reconnect with the people who were there for them at the worst time of their lives.
WATCHMAN: Guarding Against Stroke – Jerry’s Story
When an unexpected hospital stay and subsequent diagnosis threatened to interrupt Jerry’s peaceful lifestyle, he turned to Fairfield Medical Center and a procedure known as WATCHMAN to help him overcome his health obstacles.
The Climb – Rising Above a Cancer Diagnosis
Nicole Lobo has always been in tune with her body. Weightlifting, running, spending time outdoors and exercising are daily activities that help her stay healthy and energized. When she began to feel run-down and burnt-out in late 2023, she started to think something wasn’t quite right.
The Wear and Tear of Osteoarthritis
As a longtime registered nurse and office manager of a busy orthopedic office, the
majority of Jennifer Mitchell’s day is spent on her feet coordinating the daily needs of
Fairfield Healthcare Professionals Orthopedics and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.
Over time, the physical demands of Jennifer’s job began to take a toll on her body, and
she developed severe osteoarthritis in her knees, a common type of arthritis that causes
joint pain and stiffness.
Heartstrings Reunited at The Beat Goes On Event
The Beat Goes On is an event that reunites survivors of major cardiac events with the first responders and Fairfield Medical Center team members who cared for them. March 6, 2025, marked the third year FMC has hosted this celebration, which highlights the gift of second chances, the joy of new milestones and the long-lasting bonds that caregivers form with patients and their families.
Surviving a Pulmonary Embolism – Marianne’s Story
When holiday-enthusiast Marianne Jackson experienced a pulmonary embolism that nearly took her life, she feared her days of decorating might be over. Thankfully, quick intervention from her caregivers led to a full recovery.
Surviving Sepsis
Sepsis often strikes without warning and can happen to anyone at any age. Diagnosed with sepsis two years apart, father and son John and Jay Sharp are sharing their stories to help others recognize the warning signs.
Beating Colon Cancer
The compassionate care that Doug McFarland received from the providers and staff at Fairfield Medical Center helped him navigate the emotional roller coaster of heart conditions and colon cancer. Following a successful emergency heart valve replacement surgery in 2018, Doug continued to feel like something wasn’t quite right. In 2019, he shared his concerns with his primary care physician, who strongly recommended rescheduling Doug’s screening colonoscopy from February 2020 to November 2019, a decision that Doug credits with saving his life.
Grateful Hearts of Patients
When FMC staff member Susan Lane stepped in to help Jeani Shopel and her mother, Juanita Spangler, navigate a difficult situation, Jeani knew a simple “thank you” wasn’t nearly enough to show her appreciation.
A Second Chance – Life Saving Measures after Heart Attack
Since 2021, Ron Brame has made it his mission to not only recover from the heart attack that nearly took his life, but to thank the many caregivers at FMC who were by his side every step of the way.
A Joint Effort – Living with Rheumatic Conditions
Living with three types of arthritis left Toni Reincheld in so much pain she could barely walk – but that all changed when she met rheumatologist Dr. Sheryl Mascarenhas. Five years later, Toni has made incredible strides and is living a fuller, more comfortable life.
A Healing Journey – Life After C. Diff
After battling severe diarrhea and nausea for four months, Susan Nixon-Stoughton became one of the first patients at FMC to successfully undergo a new treatment for C. diff that has allowed her to get back to living her life.
In Good Hands – Stroke after Severe Neck Injury
FMC chaplain Joel Reid is sharing his love of music – and his positive healthcare experience – with patients after a severe neck injury caused a series of life-threatening strokes.
In the Right Place, at the Right Time – Jay’s Stroke Story
When Jay Truesdell suffered a stroke in 2019, he was in the right place at the right time. A former physical therapist assistant, Jay had just arrived for his shift at Fairfield Medical Center when he decided to stop in the cafeteria for breakfast. While standing at the cash register, he began to experience a sharp pain in his head. Other symptoms, such as fatigue, weakness in his left arm and confusion, soon followed.
Taking Control – Rhonda’s Stroke Story
Rhonda Wood, who works in FMC’s Radiology Department, never thought a stroke would happen to her. That all changed on Christmas Day 2022 when she experienced sudden, unexplained numbness on her left side.
Preventative Measures
A new DNA test offered at the Fairfield Medical Heartburn Center is helping patients such as Bill Maffit identify health issues that could lead to esophageal cancer if left untreated.
A Fight to the Finish – Catherine’s Breast Cancer Story
When Catherine Brock, 33, discovered a lump in her breast during a self-exam, her care team at FMC moved quickly to diagnose and treat her cancer. Now she’s encouraging other women to be proactive when it comes to their breast health.
A Heartfelt Approach – Amanda’s Arrhythmia Story
When a severe anxiety disorder made it difficult for Amanda Reynolds to seek care for a heart condition, her cardiology team at Fairfield Medical Center helped guide her through the process with compassion and understanding.
A Specialized Solution – Robotic Surgery
After years of severe pain and failed remedies, Makala Shipley feared she would never find a solution to her gallbladder issues – until she learned about FMC’s robotic surgery program.
Not Skipping a Beat – Jack’s TAVR Story
Avid outdoorsman Jack Campbell is rediscovering his passions and enjoying a renewed sense of energy following minimally invasive heart surgery.
Living Life in Rhythm – The Vaughan’s Heart Care Story
Community Heart Watch, a program that started a decade ago through Fairfield Medical Center, aims to save lives from cardiac arrest while also making a difference for residents such as Andrew Vaughan and his son, Ryder, who both live with the same heart condition.
One Step at a Time – Audra’s Wound Care Story
After narrowly avoiding a lower limb amputation, FMC Wound Clinic patient Audra Harden is back on her feet again – and raising awareness about a common chronic disease.
Raise Your Voice – Women’s Health
When Sarah Hutchinson’s unsettling health concerns weren’t being addressed by her provider, she switched her care to Fairfield Healthcare Professionals – and uncovered a life-changing diagnosis.
Heartburn to Healing – Karen’s Heartburn Story
When Karen Kampe began experiencing sudden, severe chest pain, she feared something might be wrong with her heart. Her care team at Fairfield Medical Center quickly confirmed that the pain wasn’t cardiac-related, but rather a rare gastrointestinal condition that required emergency surgery.
Connection Beyond Primary Care
Primary care is truly at the heart of wellness. From disease management to general wellness (and everything in between), the Dum family knows they can always count on their primary care provider for guidance and support.
Living Proof – Mike’s Vascular Care Story
After years of avoiding routine check-ups, a near-fatal event has Mike North counting his blessings – and encouraging others not to put off their preventative care.
Surviving and Thriving – Deb’s Heart Story
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, and Deb Gilbert almost contributed to that statistic. Thanks to her grandson’s lifesaving actions and the care of her cardiac and therapy teams at FMC, Deb is now urging other women to pay attention to the warning signs that she ignored.
Making Strides – Terri’s Stroke Story
After a stroke affected the use of Terri Garrett’s left arm and hand, her therapy team at FMC helped her establish a plan of action to reclaim the mobility she had lost.
A Reassuring Presence – Levi’s Pediatric Story
When Levi Vanatta required hospitalization following an RSV diagnosis, his care team at FMC pulled together to help him make a full recovery.
Healthy Habits: Preventative Maintenance
Guest Columnist Dylan Ekstrand, DO, explains the importance of regular check-ups and screenings with a primary care provider in navigating the “check engine” lights of your body.