It's a Wonderful Life

Our THANKSgiving event – the WMHS Foundation’s chance to thank our donors for the difference they make – drew its largest crowd ever in November. This work inspires joy, not only for the heroes who devote themselves to the patients at UPMC Western Maryland, but for our 5,000+ donors, who are doing good work for this community through their investment in saving lives. A real highlight of the evening, following our traditional feast, is the storytelling. Every year, we recount testimonials that demonstrate the difference our caregivers make every day, one patient at a time.

Each man’s life touches so many others. We never tire of the theme, borrowed from the vintage classic, It’s a Wonderful Life. Come along as we peer into one very special patient's experience.

It began in 2024 with a subtle tightness in the chest — barely noticeable, easily dismissed. The tests showed nothing alarming. He chalked it up to overexertion — he’d been working on the family farmhouse. He was strong, after all. A professional in the world of wellness and rehabilitation. He owned his own therapy gym. He knew therapists. He was a therapist. He understood the body, its limits, its signals.

But on Valentine’s Day 2025, after a quiet lakeside lunch with his sweetheart of 40 years, the pain returned. This time, it was unmistakable. Crushing. Radiating. His wife insisted they seek immediate medical attention. The tests revealed a 100% blockage to his heart.

Three days later he was scheduled for open heart surgery. It was intense. Recovery was grueling. And for someone who had spent a lifetime helping others heal, it was a humbling reversal. He found strength not in his own knowledge, but in the care of others — doctors, nurses, even housekeeping staff — each offering comfort, encouragement, and expertise. One nurse told him, “You can’t prepare for this type of pain, but it will get better.” And it did.

Then came the strong recommendation: cardiac rehab. He hesitated, unsure it was necessary. He owned his own rehabilitation gym and had spent decades guiding others through recovery — helping them rebuild after injuries, surgeries, and setbacks. But his cardiologist was persistent — “Do cardiac rehab!" Reluctantly, he agreed. And what he discovered was a level of care unlike anything he’d experienced or expected. The clinical team monitored every vital sign, from blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythm to even glucose levels. They caught the small issues before they became serious. They didn’t just help heal his body—they safeguarded it.

Over 12 weeks, they became a welcomed part of his story. They restored his health and his spirit. He began to look forward to each session. Slowly, he reclaimed his life.

Now, his world is full and rich. Guitar lessons. The family farmhouse and barn, painstakingly restored. He’s back on his bike — though he stays closer to home now. Partly for peace of mind. Mostly for the woman who never left his side. He knows how fragile life is, which makes this time all the sweeter… “a wonderful life.”

What does he look forward to? More time with his wife. Watching his grandchildren grow. Witnessing all that his children have yet to achieve. Savoring the slower pace of life. And quietly, deeply, giving thanks — for every moment, every prayer, every person who lifted him up.

Thank you for allowing us to tell your story, Bucky Whiteman.