Pneumonia Hid a Life-Threatening Illness: Ronnie Parks' Shocking Cardiac Story

On May 3, 2025, after two weeks of being feverish with a productive cough, Ronnie Parks went to a nearby emergency department with his wife and daughter to rule out pneumonia. The care team took vitals and conducted imaging tests. He was diagnosed with pneumonia and sent home with antibiotics. 

A Nagging Desire for More Testing

His daughter, Ashley Bennett, who is also a nurse, downloaded Ronnie's MyChart and reviewed all of the documentation. 

"Upon looking through the chart, I noticed that the electrocardiogram (ECG) overread by the cardiologist stated that Q waves were present, which meant that he may have had a cardiac event in the past. I immediately called my father and asked him if he had experienced any chest pain, chest discomfort, shortness of breath or similar symptoms, and he stated, 'no.'"

Yet concerned, Ashley insisted that her dad follow up with his primary care provider to request a cardiology consult. Ronnie saw the cardiology team in his local area on May 22. The physician ordered a stress test. Ronnie completed the stress test on June 13, and it was determined that he would need a cardiac catheterization. 

A Surprise Finding 

He underwent a cardiac catheterization on June 17, but no stents could be placed due to blockages in three of the major vessels – the left anterior descending (LAD) – and no native flow into the circumflex or right coronary artery. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Ashley noted that her dad would likely need a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure.

Persistent that her dad receive the highest quality, most advanced cardiovascular care, they switched from their local hospital team and transitioned to WakeMed.

On June 23, Ashley spoke with the referral coordinator at WakeMed, and, just two days later, Ronnie had an appointment with cardiothoracic surgeon, Trevor Upham, MD, FACS. 

Ashley recalls, "The referral coordinator, Leslie, was absolutely amazing! She was full of helpful information, including directions to WakeMed, information on the Heart Center Inn and what to expect. She even shared her direct contact information. We were highly impressed with our first contact in this process."

Hope for Exceptional Care at WakeMed Heart & Vascular

On June 25, Ronnie and his wife traveled to WakeMed Heart & Vascular – Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery – Raleigh Campus to meet with Dr. Upham. Ashley joined via phone.

Ashley shares, "We were very anxious about this appointment as we knew what was ahead of us. Dr. Upham immediately lowered our anxiety levels. His friendly bedside manner accompanied by his confidence and knowledge solidified our decision to choose WakeMed. As Dr. Upham explained everything to my mother and father, I could feel the weight being lifted from my shoulders. The moment he stated, 'We are going to get you fixed right up,' I knew my dad was in good hands."

Dr. Upham explains, "With disease in all three of the main coronary arteries, decreased heart function and symptoms, his cardiologist and I both recommended bypass surgery.  Compared to other options, surgery should make him live longer with better blood flow to his heart."

On the morning of June 30, Dr. Upham performed Ronnie's CABG procedure. Ronnie's wife, children and grandchildren camped out in the waiting room.

"They remember, "The liaison at the check-in desk was so warm and friendly! She instantly made us feel welcome in such a nerve-racking situation. Once the surgery was completed, Dr. Upham came out to the waiting room to talk with us. He explained that everything went as planned."

Ronnie had pulled through very well, and Dr. Upham encouraged them that they would be able to head back to visit him soon.

Ronnie recalls of his recovery following surgery, "I did not feel too bad. I had no chest soreness until after I was discharged home. I was relieved to know the surgery was over."

Care that Consistently Goes Above and Beyond

Once in the cardiothoracic intensive care unit (CTSICU), we met nurse Kierra. 

Ashley notes, "Although we had prepared ourselves for what my father would look like with the chest tubes, lines, machines, etc., it was still a bit unnerving. Kierra explained everything that we were seeing and what the plan was for my father. She was extremely compassionate and kind. As a nurse myself, I was highly impressed with her clinical knowledge. I knew my father was in excellent hands. By the end of her shift we had developed such a great rapport with her and we hated to see her shift end. My father remained in CTSICU for a few days and the care continued to be nothing but amazing! The CTSICU staff at WakeMed is excellent, and it is evident they take pride in their patients!"

On July 2, Ronnie was moved out of CTSICU to cardiac intermediate care. He received excellent care on this unit as well. 

Ashley observes, "We were fortunate to get to know one of the nurses, Erin, as she cared for my father for three days of his stay on this unit. She was just as compassionate as the nurses in CTSICU! She explained everything to my father, answered any questions and was literally my father’s cheerleader (especially with walking in the hallway)! Erin became part of our family, and it was only fitting that she was the nurse to discharge my father from the hospital on July 6!"

Ronnie's Ongoing Recovery Today

Since discharge, Ronnie has progressed amazingly well. He has been able to sleep in the bed rather than the chair, his pain/soreness is minimal and maintained with Tylenol, his vital signs have all been stable and his wounds look wonderful. He is also ambulating well with minimal shortness of breath. 

Ronnie has seen Christina Bull, NP, of WakeMed cardiothoracic surgery twice via video visit, and she has provided extraordinarily comprehensive care. Ronnie followed up with Dr. Upham on July 22, receiving positive news of progressive healing. 

"We are so thankful that this incidental finding was caught and investigated," expresses Ashley," especially since my father remained asymptomatic".

In reflecting on the heartfelt care of our Heart & Vascular team, the entire family is grateful.

"We cannot say enough good things; your facility is nothing short of amazing! Over the course of his stay, we never had the first complaint. We are lucky to have WakeMed and all of the staff as a health care option. You all worked together to save a life and for that we are forever grateful!"

Ronnie adds, "As of today, I feel pretty good. My soreness has improved. I almost feel back to normal. I'm thankful for Dr. Upham. He was very good, thorough, uplifting with a great bedside manner and nurse Sarah Butler was very nice and compassionate when removing chest tubes."

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About WakeMed Heart & Vascular

WakeMed Heart & Vascular brings together our team of expert cardiologists, surgeons, sub-specialists and advanced practice providers who are dedicated to putting patients first. Delivering the highest quality cardiovascular care, our physicians are where you need us in Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Benson, Clayton, Dunn, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Wake Forest, and coming soon to Morrisville.

About WakeMed Imaging Services

WakeMed Imaging Services is a full-service imaging department offering advanced technology, convenient access and prompt testing and results. As professionals who have a true passion for care and caring, we focus on providing excellent, individualized service to each patient.

Services & Technology:

• CT scan
• 3D Breast Imaging and Breast MRI
• Bone Density — Available at Raleigh Radiology Locations
• Computed Axial Tomography (CT)
• Diagnostic Imaging or X-ray
• Diagnostic Injections & Pain Management
• Interventional Radiology
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Nuclear Medicine Testing, Treatment, Monitoring
• Special Imaging Services for Children
• Theranostics
• Ultrasound
• Vascular Interventional Radiology