Her heart. Her victory.
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Monday, February 2, 2026
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It was a typical morning for Julie McClure. She dropped off her grandson at school and started her workday. Then she felt it. There was heaviness in her chest, a tiredness in her left arm and growing pressure.
“I knew something was wrong,” said Julie. “Sweat was dripping off my head. I felt nauseous. I knew I needed help fast.”
A co-worker checked her blood pressure. Julie’s readings were high, and she needed immediate care.
Acting quickly, Julie’s supervisor drove her toward Genesis Hospital. Along the way, Julie made a crucial decision that she couldn’t wait. She asked to stop at Genesis Community Ambulance.
Trusting her instincts
“I listened to my symptoms,” Julie said. “I knew Genesis Community Ambulance could help.”
The emergency medical technicians soon ran an electrocardiogram (EKG) to check Julie’s heart. When the pressure didn’t go away, they rushed her to Genesis Hospital.
In the Emergency Department, Julie was diagnosed with a heart attack.
She stabilized and was rushed to the catheterization lab.
Julie soon received a heart catheterization, quickly performed by Kinan Kassar, M.D., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Interventional and Structural Cardiologist at the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute.
This helped Dr. Kassar locate a 99% blockage in Julie’s anterior heart wall artery, known as the “widowmaker.”
Julie’s artery was opened, and three stents were placed.
“Julie’s procedure went very smoothly, and she was released a few days later,” said Dr. Kassar. “We talked through her recovery plan, what to expect in the coming weeks and the best ways to support her ongoing progress.”
More heartbeats
Julie meets with Olusola Olubowale, M.D., M.P.H., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Interventional Cardiologist at Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute, for follow-up appointments. She continues practicing healthy habits to keep her heart beating strong.
“Julie is following her recovery plan, which is making a positive difference in her long-term heart health,” said Dr. Olubowale. “I work alongside her to monitor progress, answer questions and support her efforts to stay healthy and active.”
Julie’s message is to always listen to your body and not face health challenges alone.
“I’m grateful to everyone who helped save my life,” said Julie. “Genesis Community Ambulance got me to the hospital safely. My heart care team supported me and guided me to recovery. I listened to my symptoms, and because of that, I have more time and more memories with my children and grandsons.”
Fellowship-trained and Board-certified | 
Olusola Olubowale, M.D., M.P.H. Fellowship-trained and Board-certified |
Keep your heart strong. Visit genesishcs.org/heart.
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