Fred Thomas retired 10 years ago and has continued coaching football. He had a stent put in several years ago, and Dr. Akbar Shah, cardiologist for Aultman Deuble Heart & Vascular Hospital, has insisted on seeing Fred regularly for check-ups. This past November, Fred went in for a stress test on Monday, and two days later, Dr. Shah called to tell him to report to Aultman Hospital immediately for stent surgery.

There was an 80% blockage of what is referred to as the “widowmaker” artery. Dr. Mihail Paxos, another cardiologist at Aultman Deuble Heart & Vascular Hospital, performed his surgery, and Fred was released that same day.

Once home, Fred chose Aultman Massillon for his eight weeks of cardiac therapy, where he had an amazing experience! A competitive person, Fred wanted to do as much as possible. He shared that the team at Aultman Massillon Therapy Services pushed him just enough each day and were encouraging and supportive every step of the way. Fred also acknowledged that this team helped him change his overall living and work habits.

Fred is incredibly grateful to the entire team at Aultman for his treatment, which started six years ago and continued through his latest rehab sessions. He is a proud family man with his wife, Mia, son, Ben, and daughter, Mollie.

If you would like to help heart patients like Fred, consider making a gift to the Aultman Deuble Heart and Vascular Hospital to assist patients with other costs often associated with treatment.