Expressions of Gratitude: Brenda Paden

Expressions of Gratitude is designed to cultivate relationships between Memorial Health System and the patients whose lives they’ve positively impacted, ultimately creating a supportive community network. Its mission is to serve as a portal for patients and families to engage with Memorial Health Foundation and inspire others to share their gratitude towards the health system and its providers.

 Brenda Paden remembers the moment vividly: a sharp “twinge” in her right side, a sensation she initially chalked up to heartburn. But when her heart began racing, a sense of unease crept in. On the advice of her intuition and the glowing reviews she’d heard from friends, she visited the Belpre Emergency Department (ED). Little did she know that decision would change her life.

Tests at the ED revealed something far more serious than heartburn—Brenda was experiencing a heart attack. Though she felt “fairly normal,” providers quickly recognized the severity of her condition. She was transferred by ambulance to Marietta Memorial Hospital (MMH), where her care team sprang into action. Brenda’s diagnosis revealed three blocked arteries, including a complete blockage in her “widowmaker” artery. Initially, the plan was to place a stent. But during the procedure, it became clear that a more extensive intervention was necessary: open-heart surgery.

“It was overwhelming at first, but I had no fear of anything the medical team was doing to me because everything was explained so well,” Brenda shares.

“The nurses, especially Brandi and Angela, made sure I understood every single step, and Dr. Cousins saved my life. He didn’t just fix my heart; he told me to find my purpose and go live.”

Cardiothoracic surgeon Geoffrey R. Cousins, MD, FACS shares his thoughts on her experience, saying, “Brenda’s story shows the power of early intervention and expert care. Her recovery is exactly why we do what we do—help patients regain their health and purpose.”

Brenda’s care journey at MMH was marked by what she calls “above and beyond excellence.” From the compassionate nurses to the attentive housekeeping staff, everyone played a role in her recovery. Brenda’s care team became central figures in her story, and she fondly recalls how her nurse Jana not only explained medical procedures in detail but also ensured her husband was well-informed and comforted during her stay.

After her successful surgery, Brenda began the slow but steady journey of recovery. Now, four months post-surgery, she is thriving. She shares that she feels better than she has in years— sleeping through the night, eating well, and finally feeling like herself again. With her renewed energy and health, Brenda is already looking forward to getting back to activities she loves, like mowing in the spring, walking around the mall with friends, and bicycling through town once the weather warms up.

Brenda expresses, “I am so grateful for the incredible care I received right here in my own community. Knowing I had such compassionate and skilled providers by my side made all the difference in my recovery.” She admires the quality of the treatment, reflecting on how fortunate she was to have access to world-class cardiac care without the need to travel. For Brenda, Memorial Health System transformed one of the scariest moments of her life into a powerful story of hope and healing.

Today, Brenda is committed to giving back. She’s exploring ways to volunteer and support Memorial Health Foundation. She would love to fill her evenings with helping others and giving back in her own way. Brenda wants to be there for others, just as her team was there for her.

“I will be forever grateful for the outstanding care that I was provided with from an amazing staff of kindhearted people who kept me informed each step of the way,” she shares.

“Questions, and I had many, were always answered along with a clear understanding of what each procedure would be. I felt as if I had my own cheering section as I was encouraged daily with the phrase ‘You’ve got this!’ Upon discharge, I was prepared and fully ready to step into this new chapter of my life thanks to a great group of health professionals.”

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