Two Good Hearts

Keith and Genevieve Steele celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary in 2005. They credit the Emergency Department at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital with saving both of their lives - more than once.

Keith and Genevieve Steele were married in 1978 - the year before our hospital opened. And over the years, our lives have continued to be intertwined.

In the summer of 2003, Genevieve was taken by ambulance to the Shady Grove Adventist Hospital Emergency Department. She was in excruciating pain and hemorrhaging. Within an hour, she was diagnosed with severe kidney problems and treated.

During her visit, it was suggested her kidney be removed. And two weeks later in surgery, her kidney was found to contain a malignant tumor. Recovery was smooth and Genevieve credits the Emergency Department doctors and her surgeon with saving her life. Today, she’s doing just fine.

For her husband, Keith, "three time’s the charm." He first came to Shady Grove in 1989 with what he thought was a heart attack. His physician, Dr. John Kelly, personally wheeled Keith into the Emergency Department from his office next door. Thanks to a quick and accurate diagnosis, Keith had triple bypass surgery the next month.

For eight years, Keith’s improved heart did well. Then he suffered from another heart attack in 1997, which resulted in angioplasty. And in 2003, Keith had a third heart attack. He arrived at Shady Grove’s Emergency Department at 3 a.m.. Within two hours, his cardiologist was inserting a stent, and a day later, Keith was back home.

Today the Steeles are together and going strong. But they always remember the care they received. So much so that they’re now donors to the hospital - and always for the Emergency Department. "This hospital is so important to our community. Our lives were saved there several times," says Keith. Genevieve adds, "We’re grateful to be alive and healthy. There’s so much to do…and do for others. We were given another chance."

How You Can Help

Interested in supporting emergency services at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital to improve care for those in our community the most urgently in need? Contact the Shady Grove Adventist Hospital Foundation at (240) 826-6570 to learn more about our giving opportunities and how your gracious contribution can be directed to better emergency care at Shady Grove.

We Want to Hear From You

Do you have a story that you would like to share with us? Tell us about your experience at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital to inspire others and help us recognize the efforts of those who made a difference in your life!