Patient Stories

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.

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.

Surviving a heart scare often marks the start of a new, health-focused lifestyle. For many, it’s a realization that can feel overwhelming. This was certainly true for Keith Garrett, now 57, of Lancaster. Hours after experiencing a cardiac event and receiving care at Fairfield Medical Center, Keith found himself wondering what his future might look like. Fortunately for him, his doctor instructed him to enroll in FMC’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program in the coming weeks.

In a year full of challenges and tribulations, heart attack survivor Dale Richardson and his girlfriend Merri found comfort in two simple realizations: Miracles are possible, and the world is full of kind people.

When knee pain was keeping Sam Price from the activities he enjoyed, he turned to FMC for a solution. Two knee surgeries later, he’s pain free and back to doing what he loves.

When FMC nurse Deb Klinger made an appointment for her first colonoscopy, she wasn’t prepared for was the life-changing news of a colon cancer diagnosis.

In 2019, David Mast noticed he had less energy than he used to. The Structural Heart Team at FMC quickly determined he was suffering from aortic stenosis – and they made a plan to fix it. Learn more about the symptoms of aortic stenosis and valve disease treatment.

At Fairfield Medical Center, we are fortunate to have witnessed many inspiring, hopeful stories that have come about as a result of COVID-19.

Sudden cardiac arrest survivor Scott Hardwick nearly died multiple times in one day, but the quick thinking and action of his caregivers saved his life.

A fall at work brought on a series of events that Mike Miller never expected. The decisions made by his care team at FMC helped to ensure his quick recovery.

When Shannon Russell experienced a frightening complication shortly after giving birth, she felt comforted knowing her OB/GYN would see her through it.

Tired of letting the pain and discomfort of heartburn run his life, Columbus firefighter Kelly Storts turned to the Fairfield Medical Heartburn Center for a solution.

Robert “Bob” Jones recently became the first patient at Fairfield Medical Center to be treated with the TAVR procedure, an innovative alternative to open-heart surgery.

Ever since the age of three, Josh Claybourn was unable to express his needs to others. With the help of the therapy team at FMC, he has finally found his voice.

Several months ago, it was almost guaranteed that wherever Dora Kern went, a bottle of antacids went with her.

Heartburn was keeping Priscilla Fitzsimmons from the food she loved – until she found relief through the Fairfield Medical Heartburn Center.

Teamwork and sheer determination saved Holly and Carley Amerine’s lives – now Holly is educating other mothers about the importance of paying attention to their bodies during pregnancy.

Retired State Highway Patrol Trooper Larry Jackson didn’t realize how bad his vision was – until surgery made his world a whole lot clearer.

A small heart pump and a skilled team of caregivers at FMC saved Delbert Buck’s life following a sudden heart attack.

Seven years ago, Tracy started a yoga program at FMC for cancer patients, survivors and their support persons.

As someone who has experienced a lot of cancer in her family, Tracy Simons has always been ultra-vigilant about her health.

When Marilyn Stephenson is asked to describe what life was like with chronic heartburn, a condition that plagued her for years and even landed her in the hospital, the word “chaos” always immediately comes to mind.

After re-tearing her ACL, Brittany Devall turned to FHP Orthopedics to help her get back on the field.

As a retired wildlife officer, nothing gives Gary Swope more pleasure than being out amongst nature with a walking stick in hand and his wife, Margie, by his side.

When a stroke sidelined Gary several years ago, he worked hard to rehabilitate and get back to the outdoor activities he enjoys. He never imagined that just a short time later, his health would be challenged once again.

When it comes to the city of Lancaster, there was little in the community that Paul Van Camp’s philanthropic spirit didn’t touch during his lifetime. From local businesses to community organizations to healthcare, Van Camp was determined to do what he could to make his community a better place.

When Lisa Lipka needed surgery to remove a large cyst near her heart, her FMC cardiovascular team was there to ease her concerns and help her heal.

Fairfield Medical Center and the Greenfield Township Fire Department recognized the lifesaving efforts of staff at Matt Taylor Kia.

Following a heart transplant, Tim Graham turned to FMC’s Heart & Lung Fund for cardiac rehab assistance.

Dialysis treatment left Julie Lindsey feeling self-conscious about the access site on her arm. She was told nothing could be done – until she sought a second opinion at FMC.

Despite a delay in seeking treatment, Jackie Bailey’s care teams at FMC and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center were able to race against the clock to save her life following a sudden stroke.

Chuck Snider, a long-time resident of the greater Toledo area, is no stranger to the Lancaster community. “I grew up here, and I graduated from Berne Union High School,” he shared. “To come back and see Fairfield Medical Center after all this time has been incredible; it’s an excellent hospital.”

After two knee injuries sidelined soccer player Bri West, the therapy team at Fairfield Medical Center inspired her to reach a new goal.

In March 2018, Donald Tinnermann was facing an unexpected – and uncertain – future. Fortunately, after receiving care for more than a year at various medical facilities, including Fairfield Medical Center’s Wound Clinic, his life is finally back on track.

With the help of Fairfield Medical Center’s Diabetes Support Group, Kim Coakley isn’t letting her diagnosis define her.

When Afib threatened to keep Jay Truesdell from his passion, FMC got him back on track.

Four out of five people don’t survive a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, but Don Dupler was one of the lucky ones.

Mike Landfried’s unbelievable determination to overcome a stroke that temporarily robbed him of his ability to speak and walk is inspiring other stroke patients.

When pilot Scott Richardson found himself dealing with a medical issue over a holiday weekend, the First Medical Urgent Care was on call to give him the quick treatment he needed.

A week after delivering her first baby, maternity nurse Rachael Hall was back in the hospital with a rare and serious pregnancy complication.

Ron Ramey thought his on-again, off-again chest pain was a symptom of acid reflux – until a trip to FMC’s Emergency Dept. uncovered a serious cardiac problem.

A team approach and personalized care made Monroe County resident Darlene Winland feel right at home at FMC following an unexpected cardiac arrest.

Severe back pain was keeping Sondra Kern from her passion – until she met with the orthopedic team at FMC.

When Tony McGallicher underwent shoulder surgery in 2016, he did a lot of research when it came time to select a place to receive his rehabilitation therapy. As a Supervisory Federal Law Enforcement Officer, a job that can be physically demanding, Tony knew it would take a group of specialized therapists to get him to a place where he could effectively return to his job duties.

The day that Mary Grace Gundelfinger rang the bell to symbolically end her cancer treatments, she was joined by a lot of people who – like her – had been anxiously waiting for this moment.

It came with no warning. One moment, Elijah Crum was relaxing at his boyfriend’s house – the next, he was doubled over with excruciating head pain. 

“It was the worst pain I have ever experienced,” Elijah, 18, of Lancaster, recalls. “Everything was getting really hot and then I vomited everywhere. That’s the last thing I remember before I passed out.”

From the EMS who wouldn’t leave her side to the clinicians who cared for her and her family, Nikki Griffin has one word to describe her experience: heartfelt.

Patti Hayes beat cancer twice with the help of a team of doctors and nurses who provided a comprehensive approach to her care.

Renee Reindle’s family and the staff at Fairfield Medical Center have kept her strong in the biggest fight of her life.

Rick Cochran and wife Denise Bauer have discovered what truly matters in life after Rick’s near-fatal battle with sepsis.

When Mike Henwood of Lancaster arrived at Fairfield Medical Center after suffering an aortic aneurysm, he was in dire straits – but luckily, he found himself in capable hands.

As a long-time volunteer, Becky Wilmot is a familiar face at Fairfield Medical Center; so, when she needed to have her shoulder replaced, the decision to have the procedure done where she was most comfortable was a no-brainer. “I have all the confidence in the world in Fairfield Medical Center and the care they provide,” she shared.

Committed to getting his care at FMC, Glouster resident Ken Bussart drove two hours round trip every week for cardiac rehab.

Intuition and the quick work of Fairfield Medical Center’s Emergency Department saved 2-year-old Summerly Costantino from a dangerous allergic reaction.