At The Vascular Care Group, we are privileged to witness the resilience and strength of our patients, many of whom face the daunting challenges of vascular disease. These stories not only highlight the impact of our care but also serve as powerful reminders of the importance of hope and perseverance. One such inspiring story is that of Stephanie, a patient whose journey reflects both the struggles and triumphs of battling severe peripheral artery disease (PAD). We had the pleasure of interviewing Stephanie recently at her home. At nearly 100 years old, Stephanie has lived a life filled with rich experiences and countless challenges. Her remarkable path to recovery is a testament to both the advanced vascular care she received and the unwavering determination that defines her spirit.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Stephanie’s early years were filled with family and adventure. She served as a Marine during World War II, where she met her husband, a Navy fighter pilot. Their love story spanned nearly fifty years before his passing and brought them to a beautiful 16-acre Massachusetts blueberry farm surrounded by three-hundred acres of pristine state fish and game property. It is in this peaceful spot that they raised their ten children, six of whom she has outlived. Stephanie is a prolific painter; many of her amazing works adorn the walls of her home, and is an accomplished writer and poet. Her book Between a Lily Pond and a Star: Poems from a Lifetime, contains both her poetry and artwork.
Despite her rich history and robust life, Stephanie has also experienced life’s more challenging side: the loss of a spouse, several of her children, varicose vein stripping in 1966 after her pregnancies, and several cardiac issues in subsequent years. When she eventually developed severe peripheral artery disease a few years ago, she underwent multiple attempted procedures at a major hospital to try and open the blocked artery. After repeated failed attempts, it was recommended that she agree to an above-the-knee amputation. Stephanie’s story took a turn when a concerned local citizen, who helps others with household chores, dressing, cleaning, etc., suggested she see a podiatrist, who then referred her to Dr. Edward Arous at the Worcester, MA, office of The Vascular Care Group.
The last thing Stephanie and her family wanted to consider was an amputation at 98 years old. Seeking a second opinion for her PAD, now with gangrenous second and third toes on her left foot, Stephanie found hope. After reviewing the angiogram from the hospital, Dr. Arous noted that she did have a heavily calcified left superficial femoral artery occlusion. Stephanie and her family agreed Dr. Arous should attempt what seemed like the impossible and try to open the artery. On March 1, 2023, following several attempts, Dr. Arous successfully restored the blood flow to Stephenie’s leg with an atherectomy, angioplasty, and stenting of the left popliteal and superficial femoral artery, as well as the proximal peroneal artery. Now, nearly two years later, Stephanie is thriving at home, living with her son and cherishing every moment on her beloved farm.
Her gratitude for the vascular care she received is boundless. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact of dedicated, comprehensive vascular care provided by the specialists at The Vascular Care Group—proving that with the right treatment and support, even the most challenging health issues can be overcome.
As we parted company with Stephanie and her son, he told us that, “The Vascular Care Group is the blessing and the miracle…my siblings and I were already discussing how we would possibly care for a 98-year-old mom with one leg, and then you all came along with the answer…we don’t have to. Thank you Dr. Arous, thank you Vascular Care Group.”