Lifesaving Care Team Becomes a Lasting Community

In 2015, Rich Crocono nearly lost his life when he suffered sudden cardiac arrest – a condition that is often fatal without immediate treatment. Thanks to a string of amazing coincidences – or perhaps small miracles – and the expert care he received, he survived. He’s spent most of his days since then building relationships and finding ways to give back to every single person and organization who played a role in saving his life. 

“Some people might think ‘Why me?’ but we never felt that way,” his wife, Annette, says. “So many blessings came out of it. How can you ever begin to thank someone for this?”

It happened without warning – Rich’s heart gave out one morning while walking with Annette near their home in the Poconos. With the help of neighbors Patty and Mark Lucas, who began CPR before EMS even arrived, Rich was kept alive. He was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Pocono, formerly Pocono Medical Center, where he spent the next month recovering. 

“Rich had urgent heart catheterization, then urgent heart surgery when he was stable enough two weeks later,” says Karthik Sheka, MD, an interventional cardiologist at LVH–Pocono who treated Rich. 

A decade later, Dr. Sheka continues to be Rich’s cardiologist, a testament to the dedication of the cardiology team at LVHN. 

When you talk with Annette and Rich, you very quickly learn about the large number of people they credit with helping to save Rich’s life. From neighbors and friends, to the doctors and nurses, EMS and housekeeping – and everyone in between – the Croconos have gone on to build strong and meaningful relationships with all of them.

They’ve also volunteered for countless hours, prepared and delivered food, and helped other patients and their families deal with heart surgery. 

They are proud to give annually and decided to include LVH–Pocono in their estate plans through a bequest commitment to the cardiovascular unit.

“The treatment we received was not just us. We are one of many patients dealing with complex heart conditions,” Rich says. “We want to do everything we can to make sure as many people as possible receive this kind of care.” 

For the past three years the Croconos have served on the board of associates for LVH–Pocono. Prior to that they volunteered in the hospital helping to counsel and support patients and caregivers who were going through similar experiences.

“As a volunteer, I had a red vest which allowed me to go into heart patient rooms when they were getting ready for surgery. I remember once there was a man not accepting of his condition, and they called us at 9 p.m. to come in and try to calm his fears,” Rich says. “We understand the uncertainty for spouses and families during this scary time.”

Annette also volunteered in this capacity, and she said she still reaps the benefits.

“It was the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done,” Annette says. “People we spoke to years ago will see me and they’ll say, ‘You’re the one, you gave me hope.’”

LVH–Pocono is the only hospital in the county that offers cardiothoracic surgery, including complex coronary and valve surgery procedures, and surgical procedures for lung cancer.  It’s also the only hospital in the region able to perform complex vascular surgical procedures, both with stents and bypass.

“We have been offering these procedures to the community for more than 15 years, and the physicians doing these procedures have been here from almost the beginning, lending stability and experience to the Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute,” Dr. Sheka says. 

In addition, the cardiac rehabilitation program has been active in the community for almost 20 years.  Over this time, it has grown to include pulmonary rehabilitation to improve the quality of life for those who are short of breath due to chronic lung disease.

The Croconos are originally from New Jersey and have been married for 59 years. Most of their family lives far away. They weren’t sure they wanted to make the Poconos their home, but after this incident and the last 10 years, there’s no doubt. Knowing they can receive top-notch care, close to home, gives them no qualms about staying.

“I can’t help but think about if Richie hadn’t been rushed to a strong local hospital with the capabilities to treat his complex condition, the outcome could have been markedly different,” Annette says. 

Rich spent a month at LVH–Pocono and three more months in rehabilitation. Annette was by his side every day.

Today, Rich’s heart remains strong, and he and Annette continue to enjoy life – taking drives, exploring nearby towns and staying deeply connected to the community that helped save him.