Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, patients at Roper St. Francis Healthcare are empowered to live their lives more fully—just like Bruce and Anndel.
The Spring Island couple has always embraced life with gusto, cherishing time outdoors with their family and traveling across the country. Their adventurous spirit has never waned, even as health challenges arose.
Bruce, in particular, has a passion for vigorous activity, shaped by his years as a professional hockey player and coach. However, a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation a decade ago marked the beginning of an eight-year journey with blood thinners—a treatment that came with its own risks.
“There was too much bleeding and bruising,” Bruce recalls. “Then the bleeding started happening every day for six months.”
“It weighs on you after a while,” Anndel adds, reflecting on the toll it took on both of them.
Determined to regain his active lifestyle and reduce his risk of bleeding, Bruce began researching alternatives to blood thinners. With a teacher’s mindset—he and Anndel spent years in education—Bruce dove into learning about innovative treatments for atrial fibrillation.
In early 2023, his research led him to the Watchman procedure, a relatively recent advancement in cardiac care. This minimally invasive implant helps prevent strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation, often eliminating the need for blood thinners altogether.
Bruce’s path eventually brought him to Dr. Michael Field, a clinical cardiac electrophysiologist with Roper St. Francis Healthcare. After consulting with another cardiologist who raised concerns about his age—then 85—Bruce was reassured by Dr. Field’s exceptional credentials and compassionate approach.
“He stood out in my research,” Bruce says. “He answered all my questions and really put me at ease.”
On February 2, 2023, Bruce underwent the Watchman procedure. It was a success. His days of daily bleeding and bruising were over.
“I feel great!” Bruce says. “For me, this was absolutely the way to go. I haven’t had one moment of regret.”
“No one believes he’s 87 now,” Anndel smiles. “He’s always been athletic. Anytime someone can get off blood thinners and have this surgery, I think it would be a plus.”
Following a family fishing trip in Montana, their roles reversed. Anndel experienced a minor cardiac episode, possibly a TIA. Back in South Carolina, she, too, turned to Dr. Field for answers. She received a loop recorder implant to monitor her heart rhythm—a preventative step to safeguard her health.
Throughout their journeys, Bruce and Anndel have felt supported by the personalized, high-quality care at Roper St. Francis Healthcare.
“Dr. Field doesn’t practice a ‘one-size-fits-all’ medicine,” says Anndel. “He listens to you and customizes your treatment. If we have to have anything else done, we’d go to Roper before any other.”
Their gratitude led them to give back, making their first gift as donors to support the very system that helped them through some of life’s most challenging moments.
Thanks to your generosity, patients like Bruce and Anndel can receive cutting-edge cardiac procedures close to home. Philanthropy plays a vital role in advancing cardiovascular care, supporting equipment upgrades, endowing top medical positions, and enhancing specialized facilities.
Because of you, more positive outcomes like Bruce and Anndel have experienced are possible—through stories of hope, healing, and vigorously living life to the fullest.