The heart is a muscle, and just like every muscle, it needs to be strengthened. There is no one better to tell you that than Laura Donnelly. Not only is Laura a wife, mother and grandmother of six, but she also lives a healthy, active lifestyle as a fast walker.

Laura has known for most of her life that she has mitral valve prolapse, a condition where the leaflets in the heart’s mitral valve bulge into the left atrium with each heartbeat. During a routine checkup with her cardiologist at Aultman Deuble Heart & Vascular Hospital (ADHVH), Laura learned it was time for her valve to be repaired. Despite having no real symptoms, her heart was now enlarged and unable to work efficiently.

Laura had successful open-heart surgery to repair her mitral valve in October 2021 after running a 5K race the weekend before her surgery. Laura credits the success of her recovery to her team of incredible caregivers and their attention to detail with her treatment plan, including her post-surgery rehabilitation. “Aultman's cardiac rehab program is premier,” she said.

Part of that five-star experience included Adene Keller, a staff nurse with the cardiac rehab program. As a lifelong learner, Adene has made it a priority to be extensively knowledgeable in cardiac health so she can collaborate with patients to make changes that fit their lifestyles.

In addition to exercise, Adene stressed to Laura the importance of healthy nutritional habits and how any change can impact your heart's health. Adene shared resources, books and recipes to assist Laura's choice to move to a whole-food, vegan diet.

Laura loves her new lifestyle, and when asked if she missed anything from her previous diet, she emphatically said, “No, I have gained so many delicious flavors!”

Laura describes Aultman's cardiac rehabilitation program as her safe place to heal and recover. “My experience was fun, welcoming, educational and encouraging,” she said.

Laura loved the camaraderie of others who were on the same healing journey. “While the team pushed you beyond what you thought possible, they did it with empathy and caution,” she said.

Laura wants all cardiac patients to know the importance of rehabilitation. "If cardiac rehab is recommended as part of your post-cardiac event, do it!” she said. “You will learn so much, meet new friends, and make lifestyle changes that will enhance your recovery.”