Valencis has always maintained a healthy weight, could hike for miles, regularly donates blood platelets, and even volunteers on a farm bailing hay or planting Christmas trees. I am truly blessed.” Kirk with friend Bob Prims who helped in the journey and teamwork that lead to saving his life from a massive heart attack (Photo Courtesy Valencis Family).

I wasn’t expecting to have a massive heart attack. “My doctors tell me it’s an absolute miracle that I’m here. “I feel amazing! I am already back to walking a mile a day,” he says. “Everything aligned for me to survive my heart attack,” says Valencis, including paramedics rapidly responding to his home, and later UConn Health multidisciplinary team members from across the Emergency Department, cardiology, interventional cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, nursing, the intensive care unit, and even the additional power of two different-sized mechanical cardiac support devices and assistance from another nearby hospital. This fall, UConn Health’s Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center was standing by to return the favor and help Valencis when he suffered a major heart attack. He also has a favorite hobby: “My thing is helping people.” Kirk Valencis, 57, of Bristol stays physically active and is in good shape. Copy Link Heart attack survivor Kirk Valencis (contributed photo).

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