Community Corner
A True Story of Survival
A heart attack followed by kidney failure didn't stop this Peachtree Corners school teacher who walked her way back to health at the YMCA.
Do you know Susan Wise? For 19 years she was a teacher at Simpson Elementary School. She lives in Peachtree Corners and has a son and daughter-in-law and a cute little 1-year-old grandson.
Susan's Y story starts in 2006 when she had a heart attack caused by congestive heart failure. She underwent a quadruple bypass and after her heart attack, her doctors recommended that she begin walking.
She joined the Fowler YMCA and began by walking the track then the treadmills. She lost 30 pounds and began to feel better.
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Unfortunately her kidneys were damaged by her heart problems. She was told her health would never improve and she was put on the wait list for a transplant and examined monthly to be sure she didn't need dialysis. Susan's heart had to be evaluated as well; if it was not strong enough for surgery, she would be unable to receive a transplant due to the stress.
Susan continued to exercise and hope for a kidney. In July of 2012, she received her kidney, just before she would have required dialysis. She was blessed.
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Susan's surgery had no complications. Her surgeon told her that she is an example to all; that because of being active and walking regularly, her heart was fine and her surgery was successful.
Susan credits the Y for this and is happy to share her story and her enthusiasm for Fowler YMCA.
Fowler YMCA is located at 5600 W. Jones Bridge Road in Peachtree Corners, call 770-246-9622 for more information.