On May 20, 2023, David Curnutte was excited about an upcoming trip to Alaska scheduled for May 24. That morning, we had spoken with the tour director, who reminded us of what we needed to pack. Since we were going to be away over Memorial Day, David wanted to take flowers to the cemetery before we left. While there, he experienced a spell of weakness and pain but brushed it off and continued with his day. Later, while out for a walk, he suddenly felt worse-he hit a wall. He made it home but immediately went to the hospital.
That Sunday, doctors performed a heart catheterization and discovered David had 97% blockage in a main artery. He was admitted to the ICU and scheduled for triple bypass surgery the next day. A heart pump was placed in the cath lab to support him. The surgery went well, and within just a few days, David was up and walking. He worked hard in rehab and made steady progress.
One of the most sobering moments came when the doctors told us that if David had gone on that trip to Alaska, he likely wouldn't have come back alive. That reality was difficult to hear but made us all the more grateful that he sought help when he did.
We learned about the Heart Walk around this time last year and decided to take part. David was proud to walk the survivor's lap, surrounded by others who had overcome similar battles. There were many survivors there with their families and support teams, and it was a powerful reminder of how precious life is.
Today, David is doing great-he's able to walk 3 to 5 miles a day. As Team David, we are incredibly thankful to celebrate the gift of his successful surgery and recovery. We thank God and his amazing medical team for giving us more time with him and the chance to keep walking together.
