Heart Patients are Reunited At McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center

Springfield, Ore. — On April 7, McKenzie-Willamette physicians and medical professionals will celebrate and reconnect with former heart surgery patients at the fourth annual Heart Center Reunion. 

"They gave me a second chance… at life," recalls Gary Workman, former heart patient. "They made me feel like they really cared."

Patients and their loved ones have been invited to attend the reunion to celebrate and share their experience. For many, this is the first time they have been able to reconnect with the Heart Center staff outside their cardiac episode.

The event features a heart-healthy buffet of light refreshments, including sugar-free cake. Those attending the event will also hear from Heart Center patient educator, Karen Lynch, RN, and fellow heart patients about joining the open heart patient support group that meets quarterly at the hospital.

Over 350 open heart surgeries have been performed at McKenzie-Willamette Heart Center since 2007. The popularity of the Heart Center Reunion required a larger space than the hospital can provide. This year the reunion will take place at St. Alice Church, 1520 F Street in Springfield, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Thursday, April 7, 2011