Larry Stack

Just like 1.2 million other New Yorkers, Larry Stack has diabetes. But until one fateful night, Larry didn’t know that one disease can actually mask the presence of an even deadlier disease.

After watching fireworks in Manhattan on July 4, 2008, Larry began to walk home. Because of his long history with diabetes, he knew that fatigue was a common symptom. But as each step became grueling, he decided to stop in at Roosevelt’s Emergency Room on 10th Avenue.

It was a decision that not only saved his life; it taught him a powerful lesson about comprehensive care.

Larry is like so many of us, trusting that if you have a doctor looking after one problem, your health care is in good hands. But at Roosevelt Hospital’s Emergency Room, Larry was impressed by the quick and careful attention he received and learned that comprehensive care is the only way to protect your health. He remained in the hospital over the weekend for tests.

“I wasn’t the least bit worried,” Larry remembers. “I thought I’d go home Monday with a funny story to tell.”

But after an angioplasty on Monday, interventional cardiologist Dr. Robert Kornberg – who was recently named one of 2010’s top cardiologists by the Consumer Research Council of America – reviewed the results and determined that Larry needed quadruple bypass surgery – fast.

“It really shows how important it is to have good, comprehensive care,” says Larry. “I’d had chest pains but they always went away. No one checked my heart before. All my problems were attributed to diabetes.”

"They treat me like I’m special," Larry tells us. "Even my diabetes is better. The hospital gave me a second chance."

Larry’s surgery was scheduled for the next day. Dr. Kornberg and his team removed arteries from Larry’s chest and grafted them onto Larry’s heart in place of the diseased arteries.

As Larry began his recovery, he learned what it meant to have a team of doctors working together to provide comprehensive, coordinated care. Dr. Merle Myerson, Director of the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Program, is now looking after Larry’s heart health. He still sees Dr. Kornberg for regular checkups, and endocrinologist Dr. Sandra Foo has taken over Larry’s diabetes care.

“They treat me like I’m special,” Larry tells us. “Even my diabetes is better. The hospital gave me a second chance.”

Having access to such outstanding health care so close by isn’t just luck. The renowned professionals in every department – from neurology to cardiology, from oncology to emergency medicine, and more – are funded through your generous and loyal support.

“I donate to St. Luke’s and Roosevelt myself,” says Larry. “I put my life in their hands and now I’m thriving.”

You, too, can help ensure that we provide comprehensive care to more patients like Larry. Please give to St. Luke’s and Roosevelt Hospitals today.