Heart Attack Survivor’s Heartfelt Gratitude for a Second Chance at Life

May 13, 2024, was a regular day for Timothy Teel, filled with work and preparing dinner for himself and his wife. But the close of the day was anything but typical, ending with Teel suffering a “widow-maker” heart attack. Thanks to care he received quickly at nearby Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Carbon, and eventually LVH–Cedar Crest, Teel's story didn't end that day. On Nov. 20, he had the opportunity to thank his Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) caregivers the week before Thanksgiving in the same hospital that started his life-saving journey.

“It’s truly humbling to be here today,” Teel said. “It’s not about me. It’s really a celebration of all of you. My recovery is a product of the expertise and professionalism of many of you in this room.”

Christine Schirer, Director, Clinical Services at LVH–Carbon, expressed her appreciation to Teel for sharing his story. She was in the ER in May when Teel arrived that night. “Thank you for coming back. We don’t usually get to see what happens to patients once they leave.”

“Today reminds us why we do what we do,” said interventional cardiologist Shailendra Singh, MD, with Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute. “It is truly a miracle. We thank Tim for showing us what it means to be resilient.”

Dr. Singh was on call the night Teel was transferred by LVHN–MedEvac to LVH–Cedar Crest from LVH–Carbon.

“I am inspired by the commitment and expertise available to us at LVHN,” Dr. Singh said. “The advanced tools and technology allowed me to install a heart pump within minutes of Tim arriving to LVH–Cedar Crest. He came in with 20 percent heart function, and by the time he was discharged he was almost back to normal. It’s a testament to what’s possible.”

Knowing Teel is a motorcycle enthusiast, Dr. Singh wished him many more years of health, happiness and long motorcycle rides.

Warren Behr, Director, LVHN Patient Blood Management, and several members of his team also attended the event. Teel is a Jehovah’s Witness with an advanced directive against the use of blood products, in keeping with his faith.

“We love to see Tim’s family with him today,” Behr said. “Bloodless medicine is good medicine. It’s the cooperation and teamwork in the LVHN community that makes this possible.”

Glass heart-shaped mementos were given to Teel and the departments involved in his care to commemorate today’s event and his miraculous recovery.

Thankfully, Teel does not remember much from his ordeal that night. He said he has experienced some flashbacks and his wife filled him in on missing details. In the many conversations with members of his care team today he learned even more. As for his LVHN team, they were grateful just to know that Teel is doing well.

“I feel like a million bucks!” Teel exclaimed. “This morning I was pedaling in France on my NordicTrack bike.”

He has even recovered enough to joke about it. The whole room laughed when Teel humbly apologized, saying “I’m sorry to have put you all through this!”