On April 3, 2019, the Maronitis Family became stronger! I was only 44 years old when without warning I went into cardiac arrest at my office in downtown Columbus. While I don't remember anything about the incident, there are many accounts of what happened on that day and the weeks that followed. I know now that many things needed to go perfectly in order for my life to be saved. From the quick action taken by every hero in my office, to having the best of the best paramedics from Columbus Fire House #2 arriving at the scene with the appropriate equipment (a LUCAS device among other things), and of course the blessed hands of the medical team at The Ohio State University Medical Center that delivered world class care. And prayers, lots of prayers. Friends and family all around me praying day and night while I was on ECMO for 2 weeks in an induced coma getting progressively better with each day. It is because of these miracles and the grace of God that I'm able to walk with my wife Maria and two boys Niko and Vasili this year to help others in need of similar care and attention.
When I did finally wake up and started to understand what had happened, I realized just how precious life really is. Because of this experience, raising awareness about heart health and encouraging routine wellness checks has become a passion of mine, and now that I am a part of this elite group of survivors, I want to help everyone I meet understand the importance of thinking and being healthier, and most importantly, enjoying every moment with our loved ones.
Please join me and my family on August 17, 2024, to walk together to support this great cause of raising heart-health awareness. While any donation large or small is certainly appreciated, being together and walking on that day together with my family and I would be the greatest blessing of all!
I am not sure how to thank everyone in my life, but thank you for being part of it!
The Maronitis Family