Page 4 - Jupiter West - February '25

Page 4, Jupiter West

Heart Surgery Fallen Patriots Announces from page 1

Brings Quality

Of Life For

Older Patient honoring the sacrifice of fallen service

members. By providing scholarships and
At 89 years old, Curtis Erickson says he still has a educational counseling to their children,
lot of living left to do. The avid golfer intends to keep we can ensure their legacy lives on while
enjoying the game with friends while also spending time giving these families the support they
with his beloved family which includes five – soon to be deserve,” said founder and CEO David Y.
seven – great-grandchildren. Kim. “We are thankful for the sponsors
“Life couldn’t be any better,” Curtis says. who champion our mission and for the
It is exactly this outlook that Edward Savage, M.D., new and existing local connections and
a cardiothoracic surgeon at Cleveland Clinic Martin supporters who help expand our impact.”
North Hospital, looks for in patients for whom he may According to the Florida Department
recommend heart surgery. of Veterans Affairs, Florida has the third
largest veteran population in the nation
and is the second largest state of Gold
Star families in need, making the CFP
mission one that hits close to home. Although America is not currently at war, the children of
Dinner sponsors for the Inaugural Palm Beach Gala for fallen military service members continue to battle significant
Fallen Patriots hosted by CBIZ include Citadel, Citadel educational challenges. The Children of Fallen Patriots
Securities, and Griffin Catalyst. Attendees will enjoy an Foundation (CFP) anticipates a substantial funding gap of $300
exquisite dinner, guest speakers, live auction, surprise million over the next two decades, with an urgent need for $150
entertainment, and plenty of opportunities for meaningful million in the next four years. This critical support is essential
engagement and sponsorship. for Gold Star children who are now reaching college age,
The Inaugural Palm Beach Gala hosted by CBIZ is sure helping to cover the difference between available government
to attract notable guests. The host committee includes assistance and the true expenses of higher education.
partner and vice chairman of the Florida Panthers NHL To learn more about Fallen Patriots or sponsorship
team, Doug Cifu and his wife Melissa, founder and opportunities, please email palmbeach@fallenpatriots.org.
“Determinants for being a candidate for heart surgery managing partner of Shield Capital, Phillip Bilden and Tickets and additional event information can be found online
are functional and physical status, not necessarily his wife, Dr. Patricia Bilden. at https://donate.fallenpatriots.org/2025pbgala.
chronological age,” Dr. Savage says.
When Erickson was referred to Savage for coronary
bypass surgery last year, he was in overall good health
despite his age and had the will to get through the surgery
to feel better.
“His condition was an impediment to how he wanted
his life to be,” Savage says. “He was a motivated guy.”
Erickson had been dealing with shortness of breath,
chest pain, fatigue and significantly reduced heart function
when his cardiologist referred him to Savage. He had
coronary artery disease and was not a candidate for stents.
His only treatment option was open-heart bypass surgery.
Savage was hesitant initially to recommend surgery
since Erickson had reduced heart function and also
had undergone heart surgery 10 years prior to have 747-PALM
a valve replaced.
“But he was very motivated and functionally in good 747-7256
status,” Savage says. “For him, 89 wasn’t an age, either.
He had all these other things to do and was not ready to
throw in the towel. He wanted to feel better to do the
things he wanted to do.”
So, on April 5, 2023, Erickson underwent open-heart
surgery at Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital.
Though he was nervous, he said he was shocked at
“how calm and reassured I felt when I went down (to the
operating room).”
“Dr. Savage has a wonderful way about him,”
Erickson says. “He gives you so much confidence.”
Three days after his operation, he was discharged
from the hospital. Three months later he was back on
the golf course.
“This was my goal all the way through,” Erickson says.
“It was a miracle to me.”
Savage says a team approach is key to successful
outcomes in heart surgery. It is important to empower
patients by making recommendations and involving them
in the decision-making process.
“You have to be motivated to do this,” he says. “It’s
not easy. I tell patients that it’s going to be hard, but you
Friday, February 28, 2025
can get through this, and you can’t give up. You have Friday, February 28, 2025
to devote energy to recovering. You have to eat, follow
instructions and get out of bed.” Join for all or part of the March from 2pm to 4pm
He adds that most of his patients are usually “on the
road to complete recovery” within a few weeks. Join the Celebration from 4pm to 6pm in Centennial Square,
“It turned out just wonderful for me. I’m so glad West Palm Beach and enjoy music, food, and an inspiring program.
Cleveland Clinic is here,” Erickson says. After living
in many different cities during his career in school All donations are matched by
photography, he moved to the Stuart area in 1981. For The Honorable Ann Brown
the past eight years he and his companion, Vicky, have Together we can create a future where everyone has a
been splitting their time between Florida and Michigan. place to call home.
“I feel very blessed.”
To make an appointment with Dr. Savage or another For details about the March:
cardiovascular specialist at Cleveland Clinic in Florida,
call (877) 463-2010 or visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/ Info@TheLordsPlace.org
Heart to learn more. 561.578.4928 www.TheLordsPlace.org