Gifts of Gratitude
Anonymous Grateful Patient Shows Appreciation for Life-Saving Cardiac Care
At Allegheny Health Network (AHN), our expert team of caregivers is committed to improving health and wellness in our communities, one person at a time.
With nearly 21,000 employees, 2,400 physicians, and 2,000 volunteers, AHN has a unique opportunity to make a tremendous impact on the lives of patients. We are fortunate to have outstanding doctors that bring medical discoveries and breakthrough treatments to their patients every day—physicians like Dr. William A. Belden.
AHN’s Office of Development was honored to hear from one grateful patient*, who’s requested to remain anonymous. Since she met Dr. Belden, a cardiac electrophysiologist at AHN Cardiovascular Institute, he has taught her an important concept, she says: “Courage is not the absence of fear; courage is overcoming the fear.”
When the patient was diagnosed with a heart arrhythmia, she felt traumatized. But Dr. Belden was there for her.
He took the time to explain why she needed an ablation procedure and pacemaker for her heart. He described the details of the surgery, the risks involved, and the road map for her recovery. This meant everything to her during a frightening time.
Because of Dr. Belden’s knowledge, talent, precious gift of time, limitless patience, and compassion, she trusted him completely with the procedure. The patient and her husband are forever grateful for all Dr. Belden has done and continues to do for their family, inspiring them always to have courage and be strong.
That’s why they have given $20,000 anonymously to AHN, so Dr. Belden and his team can study heart arrhythmias, pacemakers, and cardiac electrophysiology. It’s their way of expressing their sincere gratitude and making medical advances like the ones available to her available to more patients.
While she does not know what the future holds for her heart, she does know that if a problem arises, she has a combined source of strength and security blanket at AHN and within the Cardiovascular Institute. His name is Dr. Belden.
“Dr. Belden means the world to us,” she says. “He has been there for us, a source of strength during times of great medical need. He continues to be the very best doctor, and his compassionate medical care is unmatched. That’s why we give—in honor of and for Dr. Belden.”
Dr. Belden saved her life, but he did more than that, she says. He comforted and reassured her in her darkest times. And she’s only one of countless examples in which the compassionate care of AHN medical experts and gifts from kind donors like you have benefitted patients.
AHN is home to the finest doctors in the country, recognized nationally and internationally for their expertise. They integrate innovative treatments and research with personalized and compassionate care.
AHN physicians bring medical discoveries and breakthrough treatments to their patients every day. These breakthroughs help to save lives.
But it’s only possible with your generous support.
For National Doctors’ Day on March 30, we were honored to receive additional gifts thanking more physicians like Dr. Belden for their extraordinary care and impact on loved ones. If you donated during this time, thank you, and please know that it means so much to AHN’s doctors when you honor them with a gift!
*Grateful patient has requested to remain anonymous. AHN thanks them tremendously for their support.