How One Heart Attack Sparked a Legacy of Care

“When I decided to accept a role on the board of directors for Baptist Health Foundation Hardin, it wasn’t just because I believe in this organization, it is because without it, I wouldn’t be alive today,” said Brown Gwynn.

A few years ago, Brown suffered a severe heart attack in his Elizabethtown home. He initially experienced indigestion and gradually felt symptoms, including a twinge in his right shoulder and tightness in his jaw. After taking his blood pressure, Gwynn’s wife, Yvonne, transported him to the Baptist Health Hardin Emergency Department.

When Brown arrived at the emergency department, the interventional cardiology team was able to take immediate action to clear the blocked artery and insert a stent.

“I am grateful to have had access to a top-notch hospital with a talented and caring staff right here in our community,” he said. “I can’t imagine what the outcome would have been if that wasn’t the case. The need to travel far for medical attention may have cost minutes I didn’t have.”

After being discharged from the hospital, Brown participated in cardiac rehabilitation three days a week where he noticed that a popular piece of equipment was continuously breaking down and unreliable for patients engaging in monitored exercise.

“It was easy to see the elliptical bike was the most desired piece of equipment, and yet, it was rarely able to be utilized. When I learned there was an opportunity to purchase a second elliptical bike to give more patients access to care, I didn’t hesitate. While giving back is always good for the heart, being able to see that money go toward actively helping others working to get back to their families and lives, that is something you can’t put a price tag on.”