Douglasville resident Ralph Aiken experienced a motorcycle accident in April of 2022. The 82-year-old was thrown 10 feet in the air and another 20 feet down into a hole, suffering a broken left leg below the knee. As part of his healing, he worked closely with Dawnette Waters, Wellstar physical therapist, to rebuild muscle in the injured leg.
One fateful day while at therapy, the U.S. Army veteran experienced cardiac arrest. Due to the quick actions of Waters and members of the adjoining Wellstar Outpatient Cardiac Rehab center, EMTs were able to revive Aiken and rush him to Wellstar Douglas Medical Center, where Wellstar Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Cheryl Robertson found the cause of the cardiac event—95% blockage of an artery. Dr. Robertson immediately inserted an atrial stent. Ralph has felt healthy since the surgery and is grateful for the team at Wellstar who saved his life.
“Wellstar is very well-operated and efficient, and the doctors, the nurses and the therapists are top-notch. I wouldn't be here if it hadn't been for the therapy staff,” Ralph said.
Ralph enthusiastically reunited with his entire care team at Wellstar. Smiles and hugs were the mood of the day, as each recalled the events that led to him still being with us to enjoy life.
Today, Ralph continues to exercise and is proud of his active lifestyle, despite his age. “Look at me. How many 82-year-old men have a 34-inch waist and an arm muscle like that?” he said.
