In a heartwarming gathering at Medical City Fort Worth, survivors of heart-lung bypass treatments, along with their families and caregivers, came together to celebrate life and express gratitude. Demry Miller, a 53-year-old from Granbury, shared his miraculous recovery story after suffering a widowmaker heart attack. Thanks to the quick actions of his co-workers and the advanced ECMO treatment at Medical City, Miller is now looking forward to welcoming twin grandsons and pursuing a long-awaited counseling degree.

ECMO: A Lifesaving Technology

ECMO, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, is a critical technology that acts as a patient’s heart and lungs, allowing these organs to rest and heal. It has become a vital option for critically ill patients who might otherwise have no alternatives. Dr. Cyril Varughese, a cardiologist at Medical City Fort Worth, noted the growing demand for ECMO as more patients are referred for this life-saving treatment.

Since the program’s inception in 2022, over 105 patients have benefited from ECMO at Medical City Fort Worth. The hospital has expanded its capacity from treating one patient at a time to five, with plans for further growth as the population in Tarrant County and surrounding areas increases.

Gratitude and New Beginnings

During the event, Demry Miller expressed his heartfelt thanks to the medical professionals who cared for him, describing them as ‘angels in skin suits.’ His wife, Johnnie Miller, shared the emotional journey they experienced and the gratitude they feel towards the nurses and doctors who supported them through the ordeal.

Inspired by their experience, the Millers have embraced a new outlook on life. Demry plans to return to college, motivated by the realization that life is too short to delay pursuing one’s dreams. Johnnie encapsulated their newfound perspective with the phrase, ‘Make the rest of your days the best of your days.’

Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.