UF Health is proud to have been entrusted by so many patients to address countless heart issues experienced by people from all over the world. The gratification that comes from helping these patients is what drives us to provide the globally recognized care we are known for. Being able to tell their stories highlights the life-changing impact we’re capable of. By helping these patients with their hearts, we hope to touch yours with these heart-warming stories.
Michael gets his beat back
Congestive heart failure made any activity difficult for Michael. His heart wasn’t strong enough to keep his blood circulating. Now, he has an LVAD to help keep his blood moving. Michael feels great, and is back to his favorite activity – playing with his grandkids.
Noah’s heart is back in the game
Noah had his first open heart surgery when he was 11 days old. Born with a congenital heart defect, at the age of 13, Noah’s UF doctors performed his last heart surgery to replace a faulty aortic valve. Now 17, he can run. He can play. And he can breathe.
Latasha Aiken’s Two Miracles
Latasha Aiken had always dreamed of being a mom. When a life-threatening heart condition almost took that away from her, she was heartbroken.
He died three times – UF Health saved his life
At 49 years old, Will Manser thought he was invincible. One day, in June 2019, Manser was driving to Lake City to drop his son off at school. He stopped for some breakfast and then was on the road to work. Four days later, he woke up in UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville.
Cuthbert Allen’s fight for his life
When delivery driver Cuthbert Allen was in Ponte Vedra Beach enjoying his hobby of remodeling homes and heard a pop in his chest, he didn’t know his journey to a healthy heart was just getting started.
Novel AFib heart surgery gave Roseann her life back
Roseann Vitassa is a retired international art dealer living with severe atrial fibrillation, or AFib. It means she has an irregular heartbeat that could lead to a blood clot, stroke and even heart failure.
UF Health gave Annette confidence for her heart treatment
This Ocala high school dean was concerned when she experienced an attack of shortness of breath, dizziness and heart palpitations that stopped her in her tracks.
Nancy Iafrate’s second chance at life
It was just like any other day for Nancy Iafrate. The sun was shining as she enjoyed quality time in Gainesville with her family and played with her two young grandkids.
Moving mountains: all Andy needed was a chance, and a miracle
At UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, experts faced one of their biggest challenges in Andy Herrera, who needed a heart transplant.
Heather’s lifelong battle with congenital heart disease
At 36 years old, Heather Lowery has defied the odds and set an example for adults living with congenital heart disease.
