“I had all the severe symptoms, extreme chest pain, pain going down the left arm, sweating profusely," remembers Knuth. "I asked folks to call 911. Then, I asked someone for an aspirin and placed it under my tongue. I prayed the entire trip to the hospital."

Knuth was immediately transported to Hurley Medical Center’s Level I Trauma Center, where he was placed on a ventilator and monitored around the clock. He was in a coma for four days and in Hurley’s Critical Care Unit for 12 days. 

“We inserted five stents to the left descending artery. John had 100 percent blockage and he was diagnosed with heart failure. He was discharged from Hurley with a LifeVest, since he was under a risk of sudden cardiac arrest," says Samir Elian, MD, FACC, Hurley Interventional Cardiologist. "He suffered a very serious heart attack. It’s rare to see five stents implanted and to see this type of recovery. I think most physicians would consider John’s recovery a miracle."

Knuth adds, “I ran a marathon two months before the heart attack. I always tried to live a healthy life, but I did have a family history. Every day is a blessing and a gift. Today, I feel great, and recently had a defibrillator implanted. I am also back to running, although in moderation. I am getting stronger all the time and am back to living my life.

“The care I received at Hurley is without a doubt the reason I am here today. I know if I went anywhere else I wouldn’t be alive. Hurley is the best place to go for cardiac care. They provide outstanding clinical and compassionate care, close to home. I can’t imagine ever going anywhere else. Today, I don’t take anything for granted. Thank you, Hurley, for saving my life.”