You Won't Believe What Summer Ellingson Just Brought to Essentia Health—This Could Change Everything!

At the heart of every sports fan lies a passion that drives them to experience the game in its purest form. For Morgan Almer, a dedicated baseball enthusiast, this passion manifests in his ambitious goal of visiting every Major League Baseball stadium across the United States. Having already visited 22 of the 30 stadiums, Morgan's dream seemed well within reach—until a routine physical changed everything.

Leading up to his unexpected diagnosis, Morgan felt completely healthy. There were no signs or symptoms indicating that anything was amiss. However, in the wake of his father’s sudden heart attack at 63, Morgan's wife had long urged him to get screened. Finally, he took her advice and consulted Dr. Mertz, who promptly recommended a heart screening. The results were nothing short of alarming.

During a cardiac calcium test, Morgan learned that his score was an astonishing 1815—well above the 400 threshold that is considered high risk. This discovery led him to meet with Dr. Sarov, who suggested further testing through an angiogram. What followed was a sobering diagnosis: Morgan had multiple blockages in his arteries—100%, 80%, and 55% blockages respectively.

In a life-altering conversation with Dr. Canver, Morgan was presented with two stark options. He could either choose to do nothing, which would almost certainly lead to a “widowmaker heart attack,” or he could undergo surgery. The choice was clear: Morgan opted for a triple bypass surgery, an intense procedure that lasted nearly eight hours.

Post-surgery, Morgan found himself at Essentia Health's cardiac rehab program, where a dedicated team helped him regain his strength. “What stood out the most about my care is how much they cared,” Morgan reflects. “Dr. Mertz did not hesitate to order a test for me. And Dr. Canver—there's only one person in the world who has physically held my heart, and that’s him.”

This profound experience led Morgan to develop a sense of gratitude for the medical professionals who saved his life. “Absolutely, I would recommend Essentia Health to anyone. The care I received is top-notch,” he asserts. “Essentia Health gave me a second chance, and not everybody is lucky enough to get that.”

Morgan's journey underscores the importance of regular health screenings and listening to the advice of loved ones. With the looming uncertainties of heart conditions, especially for those with a family history, his story serves as a reminder that early detection can make a life-saving difference. For Morgan, the road to recovery is also a return to his ultimate goal: continuing to explore the country one baseball stadium at a time.

In a world where sports and health often intersect, Morgan's story not only highlights a personal triumph over adversity but also sheds light on the critical role healthcare providers play in our lives. Through his advocacy for heart health, he hopes to inspire others to prioritize their well-being, ensuring that their passion for life—much like his love for baseball—can continue unimpeded.