October 3, 2025
From Heart Surgery to Heartfelt Advocacy: Mary Carter Honors Her “Heart Day” on Oct. 5
When Mary Carter was younger, her heart would sometimes race, but she never imagined it was a sign of something life-threatening. Her mother would say, “Sit down, Mary, and drink some water. You’ll be fine.” Decades later, a routine scan at York Hospital changed everything.
After raising children and establishing her career as a teacher, Mary noticed in her 50s that her heart started to flutter. She mentioned it to her primary care provider and was referred to cardiologist Dr. David Cunningham, who identified a small hole in her heart that she had likely had since childhood. He successfully filled it with mesh, and she was monitored with regular checkups.
However, life got busy, and when York Hospital called to remind her to come in for her annual appointment, she had no idea how important that visit would be. A routine sonogram revealed a dangerous growth — a myxoma — that put her at high risk for a stroke. Within hours, she was back at York Hospital, with a plan in place to receive expert care that ultimately saved her life.
“The team at York Hospital was nothing short of incredible,” said Mary. From Dr. Cunningham, who first identified her condition, to Dr. Bridges, who ensured she received urgent care, to the compassionate rehab specialists who helped her heal — they were there every step of the way. "Because of them, I was able to return home to my family, my students, and the life I love."
Since her surgery, Mary and her husband, Jon, have marked Oct. 5 as their personal "Heart Day" — a celebration of the day she got a second chance at life. A few years ago, they attended a family wedding that same weekend. When the couple exchanged vows, “in sickness and in health, ’til death do us part,” Mary said, “I couldn’t hold back my tears. My husband had been so present for me, loving me through the whole ordeal in such a special way. It gave those words an entirely new resonance.”
“This life-threatening experience has provided me with many insights. I now practice gratitude daily and embrace little acts of kindness — like leaving notes or chocolates for people I know, and strangers too!” Mary said.
This sense of gratitude has fueled Mary’s commitment to helping others, and she now advocates for York Hospital’s Leading with Heart Cardiac Campaign. Through her personal journey, she is inspiring others to help support a state-of-the-art renovation of the hospital’s cath lab.
“I share my story because I want others to have the same chance I did,” Mary said. “Together, we can ensure more people receive the critical heart care they need — whether it’s a routine checkup, life-saving surgery, or cardiac rehabilitation.”