As director of Environmental Services for Parkview Health, Casey Palumbo, prides himself on his work ethic. Concern began when Casey started to notice that he was getting things done but losing energy. He was also experiencing weight gain, reaching around 380 pounds at his heaviest.
Casey went to the Parkview Heart Institute, where he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. This is also where he met Stacey Salmon, RN, who helped with his care but has since retired.
After a significant drop in Casey’s health, Stacey, sensing he was in real trouble, encouraged him to go to Cleveland Clinic. Taking her advice, Casey pursued further treatment and was told that the deterioration in his condition made him a candidate for a heart transplant.
Casey was put on the transplant list on July 13, 2021. Later that evening, miraculously, he received a call saying a heart had been found. Two days later, on July 15, Casey had his heart transplant.
A drive to recover
Shortly after waking, in the ICU, Casey began asking questions about his road to recovery. He wanted to get back to work!
Nicole Kosan, exercise physiologist, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Parkview Heart Institute, worked with Casey. She admired his dedication, saying Casey came in three times a week, right out of the gate. After putting in the effort, he was able to return to his role at Parkview just 58 days after his procedure.
Today, Casey feels better than ever, and at just 38 years old, believes he was given the miracle of a second chance.
Become an organ donor
If you feel moved to give the gift of life to someone in their time of need, consider signing up to be an organ donor. Learn more at donatelifeindiana.org.
