Your Gift Makes an Impact: Shannon's Story

The day I suffered a life-threatening medical emergency that would change my life forever, I was a healthy 40-year-old wife and mother.

An unexpected heart attack from a completely blocked artery and massive internal bleeding left me in the dedicated hands of caregivers at Summa Health. At the helm of my care was Peter Bittenbender, MD. Because of Dr. Bittenbender and the coordinated care team at Summa Health, I am alive today and looking forward to tomorrow.

Summa Health provided me coordinated care, delivered by a multidisciplinary team of experts, and I survived a one percent chance of recovery. Three different medical teams helped me to recover from two conditions that are treated in the completely opposite way.

It was through their incredibly compassionate care that I am here today. Between the day of my heart attack and through my rehab, countless Summa Health physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals worked together to restore my health and give my family and me hope in our greatest time of need.

Summa Health is on a transformational journey to continue to improve the coordinated care that saved my life. Philanthropic gifts from generous friends like you advance care for patients like me, giving them their chance at tomorrow. When you make a gift to Summa Health, you are investing in the health of our community. Gifts that provide funding for research, education and technological advancements, keeping Summa Health at the forefront of medicine.

Please view a video about my journey below and thank you for considering a gift to Summa Health.

Sincerely,

Shannon Sansom