Melbourne resident Patrick Lawless is a lucky man. On December 14, 2022, Lawless, who owned a landscaping and lawn service, collapsed on the front lawn of a customer. Another customer across the street saw it and responded, and what followed was a series of very fortunate circumstances popping up around first one heart attack followed quickly by another.

Lawless arrived at Health First’s Holmes Regional Medical Center’s Heart Center, where his cardiologist, Thierry Momplaisir, MD, happened to be on shift. rotation.

“Patrick was incredibly lucky to experience a series of events and circumstances that led to him being in the right place at the right time, and we’re so fortunate today to have the opportunity to celebrate his good fortune with him,” said Dr. Momplaisir.

This week, Lawless visited his Health First Medical Group cardiologist’s practice along with his wife, Angela, to celebrate his 50th birthday at a six-month health checkup. 

Lawless’ wife Angela tearfully recalled that day and the angst and uncertainty she felt. She also remembered the emotional support she received from Dr. Momplaisir and staff.

“I remember falling on the ground in the hospital, just devastated,” said Angela Lawless. “And someone from the care team, I don’t remember who, picked me up off the ground.”

“You [Dr. Momplaisir] came to visit me, and you talked to me and put me at ease,” she recounted, her voice shaking with emotion. “I’ll never ever forget that moment, from being comforted by the staff to my husband’s own cardiologist taking time to make sure I was tended to, as well.”

“With Dr. Momplaisir’s help, I have gotten on the right path – more exercise, eating better,” said Patrick Lawless. “I’m thankful to have a second chance and the opportunity to remind others to not take your health for granted. Make your visits, get checked out and take steps to avoid my experience.”   

READ the full feature in Space Coast Daily HERE – to take a quick heart risk assessment, visit HF.org/heartrisk.