November 23, 2009, will be the 50th anniversary of the open heart surgery for Barbara Brendle Foreman of Norman. This surgery was at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City.
The surgery to her is such a miraculous event she wants to once again thank some of these groups and persons that made it happen.
· Dr. Wiley McCollum -- the heart specialist diagnosed her heart condition and advised her what had to be done to prolong her life.
· Cleveland County Chapter of the American Heart Association, who located volunteers to donate blood the day of the surgery. Twenty-five went to Mercy by bus that day.
· The Norman Transcript staff and writers who through the years have supported Barbara's progress following the surgery -- Jack Bagby, Leonard Jackson and Tami Watson.
· Dr. Nazih Zuhdi, who helped develop the heart machine to keep Barbara alive while her heart was being repaired.
· Dr. Allen Greer, chief surgeon at Mercy, Dr. John Carey, who assisted and Dr. John Montroy, chief anesthesiologist.
My heartfelt thanks to all of you.
BARBARA BRENDLE FOREMAN
Norman
