Discovering a Life-Threatening Genetic History and Finding Healing at WakeMed: Billy Dibbert's Story
October 26, 2026
When Billy Dibbert learned that his brother had been diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm, he had no reason to believe the same condition was quietly affecting him.
"I had no symptoms whatsoever," Billy recalls. "I was surprised that I could have a heart issue since I was in such great shape."
Because the condition could run in his family, Billy's brother encouraged him to get screened. His primary care physician referred him to a cardiologist at WakeMed, and testing revealed the same diagnosis: a genetic aortic aneurysm.
Billy wasn't alone. Three brothers in his family were found to have the condition. One had already undergone surgery, another was awaiting surgery and Billy would soon need surgery. Looking back, he believes his grandfather may have died from the same condition before doctors understood how to diagnose it. He also had two other brothers who died prematurely, so Billy wonders if they, too, had the condition.
A Lifetime of Health Challenges — and Gratitude
Billy's aneurysm diagnosis came after he had already overcome significant health challenges. Eighteen years earlier, his wife, Jeanne, donated one of her kidneys to him.
Billy chokes up remembering that moment: "There was only about a two percent chance she would be a match. It was truly the gift of life."
The transplant left Billy in awe, and he turned to God in faith since he was certain God had looked out for him. He avoided dialysis, began attending church with his wife and was inspired to make healthy living a lifelong priority. For over two decades, he exercised regularly, walking on the treadmill and maintaining what he believed was an excellent diet.
That commitment to his health likely played an important role in preparing him for the next challenge.
"I wanted to keep our kidney healthy. I owed that to my wife."
Open Heart Surgery Led by an Exceptional WakeMed Surgeon
Billy was referred to WakeMed cardiothoracic surgeon Bryon Boulton, MD, after his aneurysm was discovered. Although reassured that the surgery was routine for an experienced cardiac team, the prospect of open-heart surgery was frightening.
"I felt like a walking time bomb," he confesses.
Statistics showing a 98 percent survival rate were reassuring to many people — but for Billy, hearing there was a two percent chance of not surviving struck a deeply personal chord. His father had died in the Vietnam War, and there was a 98% chance his dad would return home. Hearing "two percent" carried heavy emotional weight.
His faith in God became an important source of strength as he prepped for surgery. Billy's minister, who also serves as a death doula, helped him process his fears.
During consultations, Dr. Boulton patiently explained every aspect of the procedure to both Billy and Jeanne, answering their questions and easing their concerns.
Billy shares, "He was phenomenal. He was very personable, and we really connected."
Before surgery, Billy asked if they could pray together as patient and surgeon.
"Dr. Boulton prayed with me before the surgery. That meant a great deal."
A Difficult Recovery
On October 16, 2025, Billy underwent a successful minimally invasive repair of his aortic aneurysm along with aortic valve repair surgery at the WakeMed Heart Center. WakeMed is the only cardiac surgery program in North Carolina that offers a minimally invasive option for aortic aneurysm surgery.
The operation went well, but recovery proved far more challenging than he expected.
When he awoke, he struggled to breathe while still on the ventilator.
"I felt like I was suffocating," Billy remembers.
Because he only had one functioning kidney following his kidney transplant years earlier, the anesthesia took longer to clear his system and left him confused initially. He had difficulty speaking clearly and even struggled to say his surgeon's name.
Simply standing up the first day after surgery felt nearly impossible.
"I didn't think I could do it."
With the support and encouragement of his Cardiothoracic Surgery Intensive Care Unit (CTSICU) nurses, he was able to walk further than he thought he was capable of.
Additional minor complications followed. Billy required a blood transfusion and experienced pulmonary edema that is normal after heart surgery. His care team of WakeMed nurses, physical therapists and CTSICU staff encouraged him every step of the way.
Billy smiles, "Little by little, I gained my strength back."
Despite these initial hurdles, because of the quality care he received at WakeMed, he had a rapid turn around and was discharged home within five days, which is normal for his surgery. However, he developed an atrial flutter shortly after returning home and later battled severe iron deficiency caused by a stomach bleed identified later.
His WakeMed care team was by his side, and they ensured he fully recovered from surgery.
More Surgeries to Follow
At one point, 2025 became a year Billy will never forget, not because of the successful repair and replacement, but because he experienced other challenges within his body completely unrelated to his cardiac and kidney issues.
"I had five unrelated surgeries on various parts of my body within one year," Billy observes.
He was overwhelmed by the number of surgeries and the emotional weight of preparing and recovering again and again.
The Caregiver Beside Him
Throughout every challenge, one person never left Billy's side: his wife, Jeanne.
Their relationship shifted from husband and wife to caregiver and patient almost overnight.
She took leave from work to care for him, helped him out of bed, escorted him to the bathroom, drove him to appointments and spent nearly every day at the hospital from early morning until evening.
"It taxed our relationship," Billy admits. "But I can't tell you how supportive she was. She was there through everything."
His daughter, Ashley, a physician assistant, also became an important source of comfort. Seeing her face after surgery remains one of Billy's strongest memories, bringing the family even closer together.
His church family also surrounded him with encouragement. Two ministers prayed with him on the morning of surgery and visited him during his hospitalization, reminding Billy that he was never facing recovery alone.
Strength Through Cardiac Rehabilitation
After WakeMed Pulmonary Rehabilitation, recommended by his WakeMed care team, Billy began cardiac rehab at WakeMed in January 2026.
He arrived for his first exercise session at Cardiac Rehabilitation – Raleigh Campus, still relying on a walker.
The staff assured him they would meet him wherever he was in his recovery.
"They always told me, 'Go at your own pace,'" Billy comments.
That encouragement made all the difference. Over 36 rehabilitation sessions, Billy steadily rebuilt his strength, confidence and endurance. He credits the entire cardiac rehabilitation team with transforming his recovery.
Patrick kept exercise sessions engaging while creating individualized programs Billy continues to follow today. Robin stayed informed about every new medical issue — from fluctuating iron levels to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results — and always greeted him with compassion. Brooke offered simple exercises that eased arthritis pain in his wrist. Evan adjusted his cycling technique to relieve leg soreness. Carie supported his faith by sharing Christian music during a workout. Megan and Jordan helped him uncover hidden sodium in his diet and increase his protein intake. Lisa and Elen carefully monitored his heart rhythm during every session, while Tara and Teresa shared warmth and encouragement.
When asked pointedly about their impact, Billy responds: "I don't think the staff realize the impact they're having on people. Just their consistent presence makes such a difference."
He believes the team's genuine compassion made it easier — and even enjoyable — to show up every morning.
"They're making a dramatic difference in the lives of cardiac patients. I will be forever thankful."
Stronger Than Ever — Thanks to WakeMed
Today, Billy has returned to walking, strength training and doing more than 200 minutes of cardiovascular exercise each week.
He continues following the nutrition lessons he learned during rehabilitation, paying closer attention to hidden sodium and ensuring he gets enough protein.
Remarkably, after everything he endured, Billy says he feels stronger than he has in decades.
"I'm in the best shape I've been since I ran track in high school. I've never been in better shape as an adult."
About WakeMed Pulmonary Rehab
WakeMed Pulmonary Rehab & Cardiopulmonary Therapy is designed to help people get back to the independence and daily activities they enjoy.
Pulmonary rehab is available for patients with a qualifying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) diagnosis; cardiopulmonary therapy is available to patients who are having breathing problems for any medical reason, such as emphysema, lung cancer, sarcoidosis, heart and vascular issues, stroke or pulmonary fibrosis.
Patients who can benefit from therapy before or after a surgical procedure of any kind or who need to rebuild their endurance for any medical reason are welcome to the program.
About WakeMed Cardiac Rehab
At WakeMed, cardiac rehab isn’t just about recovery – it’s about rediscovering confidence, gaining strength and knowledge to live a heart-healthy life. Our program is tailored for those recovering from cardiac events, such as a heart attack, heart surgery (including bypass or valve repair/replacement), angioplasty or stent placement, heart failure or stable angina. Whether you join us in person or virtually, our expert team guides every step of your journey.
About WakeMed Heart & Vascular
WakeMed Heart & Vascular physicians bring together expert cardiologists along with cardiovascular, thoracic and vascular surgeons who are dedicated to delivering the highest level of cardiovascular care in Raleigh, Apex, Benson, Cary, Dunn, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Morrisville, Wake Forest and Clayton, N.C. For decades, these physicians have chosen to bring their talent and expertise to WakeMed for its reputation for excellence in cardiovascular care and commitment to providing the most exceptional patient experience.
About WakeMed Heart Center
When it comes to matters of the heart, there's nothing like experience. Wake County's first open heart surgery was performed at WakeMed in 1968, and we continue to be a leader in innovative cardiovascular care delivered by highly trained, board-certified physicians and staff who take a team approach to patient care. At WakeMed, patients always come first. Whether it's having a cardiac intervention team ready and waiting for you in a time of emergency, managing your high cholesterol or high blood pressure levels or helping you regain strength with our dedicated cardiac rehab program, WakeMed’s Heart & Vascular services, physicians and staff are here for you.
About WakeMed Critical Care
WakeMed features the highest level of critical care services available in Wake County. Our highly trained physicians and staff offer quality specialized care for patients of all ages.
In fact, among our critical care units and services, WakeMed features the highest level Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the county’s only Neuro Intensive Care Unit and the county’s only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. These critical care units are supported by board-certified specialty physicians, intensivists, nurses and allied health professionals. If you or your family member has a critical care health need, WakeMed is the place to be.
About WakeMed Raleigh Campus
Raleigh Campus is WakeMed's flagship facility and leading provider of advanced health care services. Since its founding in 1961, the WakeMed Raleigh Campus has been a leader in offering one-of-a-kind services and the latest technology with an outstanding commitment to care and caring.