Where a gift gives forever

Ted Cioch and Stan Witkowski are enjoying retirement.

But that almost didn’t happen, for either of them.

Both have undergone open-heart surgery.

Stan had a triple bypass in 1994. He was still working as a mechanic at the time, but sensed trouble when he couldn’t catch his breath. A stress test revealed a blockage and the operation followed.

Ted’s surgery came in 2003. He had already retired from his career as a heating and plumbing contractor, but wasn’t feeling right. He had suffered a heart attack. A double bypass was needed.

Today, these two Herkimer residents are active, energetic and making the most of life. In addition to the skilled surgical care each received at the outset and the support they’ve given each other (Stan and Ted are brothersin-law!), a major factor in their recovery and vitality has been the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Valley Health Services in Herkimer.

Community Foundation, the program has helped over 200 patients from Herkimer County make similar recoveries. It has done so by providing quality near-by rehabilitation services, including exercise, education and nutritional guidance. Before the program’s inception, local heart patients had to travel to Utica, Oneonta or even farther for such services, or go without them.

Stan initially was in that latter category. Ted, however, was able to take advantage of VHS’s program right from the start. He told Stan of its effectiveness and the two began to participate together. Although recovered from surgery, they continue to utilize the services, to maintain fitness.

“Going to VHS helped get me out of a slump,” says Ted. “I was getting lazier by the day. I asked my doctor and VHS looked like the thing to do. Thanks to the surgery and VHS, I am active once again.”

Pointing out that he attends the cardiac program with Ted and some friends, Stan notes, “I enjoy working around the house and feel really good.
VHS really helped out.”

Ted and Stan are not alone in maintaining their connection with the program. “Many of the patients have continued their progress by participating in our Phase III cardiac rehabilitation program and attending the monthly ‘Hearty Hearts’ luncheons,” explained Valley Health Services Assistant Administrator Kathy Eisenhut.

“The generosity of The Community Foundation allowed Valley Health Services to bring these cardiac rehabilitation services to the greater Herkimer area,” she continued. “By being close to home, these programs benefit both the patients and their families.”

The funding for the cardiac rehabilitation program was one of five grants The Community Foundation has made to Valley Health Services since 2002. Four additional grants totaling nearly $25,000 have supported the purchase of furnishings and equipment for the Palliative Care rooms, equipment for the Outpatient Speech Therapy program and a new bathing tub for the Adult Day Care program, which was provided on an emergency basis.