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In gratitude, nine years later

Dear Dr. Patel,

This month marks nine years since my heart attack in 2016—and not a day goes by that I’m not reminded of how fortunate I am to still be here. That’s because of you, and because of the team at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center. You saved my life.

I’ll never forget those critical moments—and the calm, capable hands that carried me through them. On this anniversary, I want publicly to say thank you.

Because of your skill and the care I received, I’ve been able to live nine full, vibrant years. Years filled with the love of my family, the joy of close friendships, and the deep pleasure my wife and I take in traveling the world together. I’ve also been able to give back—through fundraising for Shady Grove, by serving on its governing board, and by volunteering on the Development Committee of Hope Connections for Cancer Support, a Bethesda-based nonprofit that helps people affected by cancer navigate some of life’s hardest moments.

Next month, I’ll be back in your office for my regular checkup, and I’m already looking forward to it and you. In the meantime, if you ever wonder …after a long shift, a tough case, or a difficult day … whether the work you do matters, let me answer that plainly: It absolutely does.

I know I’m not the only one who owes you his or her life. But today, I just want to speak from my own heart, and say thank you. Thank you. Thank you.