"Without the generosity of others, it would have been a different story."

Jack and Lori Maddox

We became Eagle Society members in May. That’s when we realized that without the generosity of other Eagles before us, our nightmare would not have ended with a miracle. Jack’s health crisis absolutely triggered our decision to support the Indian River Medical Center Foundation.

Until February during Jack’s routine physical, we had no idea that he had a heart condition. That’s when he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Then in early March he had a heart attack and landed in the Indian River Medical Center ICU for three days. On the third night, his atrial fibrillation went haywire - Jack flatlined.

Staff ran in from all areas of the hospital and the room filled with people. It looked like a scene from M*A*S*H*. I couldn’t believe how quickly Dr. George Mitchell took charge. The nurses were incredible. I was so distraught, but knew the staff was doing everything possible to save my husband. At one point a nurse said, ‘Don’t cry. Encourage him.’ Jack was unconscious, but I held his hand and said, ‘Hang on, Jack, there are still so many things left on our Bucket List!’

Within a few critical minutes, the hospital team saved Jack’s life. Our children came into town expecting the worse, but getting the best. It was a miracle.

Without the generosity of others, it would have been a different story.

Jack recuperated for three weeks at IRMC. The private room, good food and daily support from our friends, neighbors and loved ones brought us comfort and reassurance during those scary weeks. The staff took such a personal interest in Jack’s care that they felt like family, which was so different from the huge, impersonal hospitals we had experienced.

When we first began coming to Vero Beach in the early 1980s and later retired here in 1999, you went elsewhere for medical care. We knew people who died trying to reach a hospital in Orlando. Now we feel comfortable that should anything happen, IRMC is here for us. That’s the safety net all retired people need.

Today Jack has no medical restrictions. He’s golfing and fishing again and we’re checking things off our Bucket List, like the Hawaiian cruise we are planning and looking forward to.

After the heart attack, we realized that were it not for the financial support of Eagle Society members, there would be no heart center in Vero Beach. And without it, there’s a good chance Jack would not be here today.

We are so grateful; we have become members of The Eagle Society. It is our way of saying ‘Thank you.’

Note: Lori and Jack honored all the IRMC staff members who had a hand in Jack’s care by making their Eagle Society commitment in each of their names. Today their names are included on the 2011 IRMC Shining Stars display at the medical center in special recognition of their commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care.