The Stents: Survivors Turn Heartbreak Into Hope

After life-saving stents and a heart failure diagnosis, Rick St. Sauveur and Cliff Karten built a support group that proves healing is stronger together. That’s when Rick teamed up with fellow survivor Cliff Karten. Together, they discovered that the greatest medicine often comes from people who truly understand what you’re going through. With that belief, they founded a new support group. They named it—fittingly—The Stents. “The Stents became more than just a group—we became family,” Rick says. 

“When you sit in a room with people who know exactly what it feels like to face heart disease, there’s no judgment. There’s just understanding, encouragement, and hope.” Cliff agrees: “When you’re first diagnosed, it can feel overwhelming. But when you hear someone else say, ‘I’ve been there, too,’ suddenly you don’t feel so alone. That’s what The Stents are all about.” Today, The Stents remain committed to showing others that a diagnosis is not the end of your story. With humor, encouragement, and accountability, they remind every survivor: you don’t have to face this alone. “We’re proof that heart disease doesn’t end your life—it gives you a reason to fight harder,” Cliff says.