June 16, 2022 — As families across Florida celebrate Father’s Day this Sunday, several are especially grateful to have dads by their side just months after their loved ones almost lost their lives but for the quick actions of others.
Close Call Gives Father of Six New Perspective on Life
Anthony Kelly, a father of six, will never forget the day his heart stopped.
Severe neck and shoulder pain brought the 50-year-old to the emergency room at HCA Florida Lake City Hospital. After a series of diagnostic scans, Kelly called his family to update them on his condition.
“I was on the phone with my wife when all of a sudden I let out a scream,” he recalls. In that moment, Kelly’s heart stopped. Fortunately, nurses and the physician on staff immediately resuscitated him for transfer to HCA Florida North Florida Hospital for advanced cardiovascular treatment and care.
“The next thing I remember is waking up in a room full of people with my wife by my side,” says Kelly, a well-known DJ in the community. “I now have a new level of appreciation for my family and friends,” he adds. “I also have a new perspective on life.”
After Nearly 12 Hours in Surgery, Florida Dad Back to Flipping Pancakes for Family
It was a typical day for 58-year-old Bob Hayduke, owner of an automotive service business in St. Petersburg, when a seemingly innocent headache quickly turned far more serious leading his wife Bernadette to call 911 for help.
After arriving by ambulance to the emergency room at HCA Florida Largo Hospital, doctors diagnosed an aortic tear requiring immediate surgery. While in surgery, the medical team discovered another complication – coronary artery blockage requiring a bypass procedure.
After nearly 12 hours in surgery, Hayduke was provided post-operative cardiac and respiratory support, also known as ECMO. His medical team also diagnosed signs of stroke which explained his inability to walk or use one of his hands.
Thanks to rehabilitation at HCA Florida Largo West Hospital, Hayduke is back to walking, regaining his strength, performing administrative duties at work and back to life with his family.
As for this Father’s Day, it’s a good bet he’ll be enjoying his favorite pastimes – making pancakes for his wife and two children and driving his 1969 Camaro convertible.
At HCA Florida Healthcare, cardiologists specialize in cardiac rehabilitation; cardiopulmonary care; heart and vascular surgery; heart arrhythmia; heart disease including structural heart problems, blood clots and diseased arteries; heart failure and vascular disease.
About HCA Florida Healthcare
HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is a family of more than 570 affiliated sites of care, including hospitals, physician practices and freestanding emergency rooms. United as a statewide network in 2021, HCA Florida Healthcare includes approximately 11,000 experienced doctors and 77,000 colleagues working together to deliver advanced, collaborative care to more than 7.4 million patients each year. HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to improving more lives in more ways and giving back to the communities it serves. The network provided nearly $836.6 million in uncompensated care and invested significantly in innovative technologies and facilities across Florida, including the new $360 million state-of-the-art, multi-specialty HCA Florida University Hospital in Davie, Fla. A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Florida Healthcare is also a major supporter of university-based healthcare programs and residencies and fellowships throughout the Sunshine State. For more information, please visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.
