AtlantiCare Regional Medical Heart Institute Saved My Brother’s Life

There is no doubt in my mind that the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Heart and Vascular Institute saved my Brother Jay's life.

I don’t say this lightly.

Make no mistake about it, we have world class caliber health care available right here in the Atlantic City, New Jersey area in the form of AtlantiCare.

Jay Hurley was an elite track and cross country standout, who set many enduring records at both Atlantic City High School and Stockton University.

Jay is the most decorated distance runner in Cape Atlantic League history.

Jay's 1 mile and 2 mile records at Atlantic City High School have stood the test of time for the past 48 years and counting.

This includes any conversion times over the many decades when the track and field timing records went from yards to the metric system.

It was excruciatingly difficult for a former elite standout athlete like Jay to learn that he was actually a “Ticking Time Bomb,” (barely) walking around with 3 severely blocked heart arteries.

Jay had the difficult life task of looking his own mortality right in the eye.

Last week, Jay went to the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Heart and Vascular Institute and underwent a battery of cardiac tests.

Following a normal EKG and other cardiac testing … it was only through a heart catheterization procedure that they were able to determine that Jay had a 99% blockage in three heart arteries.

Jay’s situation was very serious.

The team at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (Mainland Division) was beyond phenomenal. They knew exactly what to do and within two days of his diagnosis, Jay underwent successful triple bypass surgery on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.

I can't properly thank Michael Charlton - AtlantiCare President & Chief Executive Officer; Frank Carpenter, Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer (Mainland Campus); Jennifer Tornetta, the various Doctors, Nurses and supportive staff team members.

A special mention to Dr. Charles Stivala, an incredibly talented cardiothoracic surgeon, who performed the triple bypass surgery.

Thank you to Dr. Sam Zarbiv, who oversaw Jay’s 4-hour surgery.

Also, a shoutout to the anesthesiologists and all others who participated in Jay’s successful triple bypass surgery.

The comprehensive services and overall care that is available at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Heart and Vascular Institute are profound in nature.

First, AtlantiCare has the only full-service cardiac program in southeastern New Jersey.

The available care includes:

• The Region's Only Cardiac Surgery Services.
• Specialized Emergency Services, as the only hospital in southeastern New Jersey to perform emergency catheterization with angioplasty and/or stent placement to stop a heart attack in progress.
• AtlantiCare has a dedicated cardiology team that is available on a 24/7 basis … because emergencies don’t take the weekend off.
• Sophisticated Treatment for Heart Rhythm Disorders, as AtlantiCare has a talented team of electrophysiologists.
• Specialized Vascular Services, which leads to better outcomes.
• Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation & Lifestyle Support provided after you leave the hospital. AtlantiCare offers an intensive outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program designed to restore and maintain your heart health.

I had the opportunity to personally, uniquely and very closely follow Jay's case. He received extraordinary care at AtlantiCare.

In fact, Jay is scheduled to go home today, Monday, July 17, 2024 … less than 5 days after undergoing such a major surgery.

This is a medical marvel.

Jay is blessed to have an unconditional, loving family in Mary Jane, Jay's wife of 42 years and Daughter and Son, Katie and Tom, son-in-law Matt and two spectacular grandchildren, Chase and Sadie.

Mary Jane has not left Jay’s side throughout this entire process and has been rock solid throughout.

There is no doubt that the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Heart and Vascular Institute saved Jay’s life.

Jay learned that he was likely within 2-4 weeks of a potential catastrophic life event occurring.

I have always had a fine appreciation for the world class healthcare that is available through AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center.

My respect has grown beyond measure at this point.

Here are some Katie Hurley Hanlin family photos that show how much a life saved really means. This entire family will now have many more years together thanks to AtlantiCare.