Care like family makes for heart patient's long journey extra special

During Heart Month, Raymond, and his wife Reina return to HCA Florida Largo Hospital to thank the special team including his doctor and Best Man!

After 30 years of ongoing health issues, Raymond Cavness started seeing the heart team at HCA Florida Largo Hospital. Testing and monitoring followed, and Dr. Andrew Boyle and team determined he needed a heart transplant. Within four days of being place on the transplant list, Raymond received his lifechanging call; a match was found. On October 16, 2021, he received his new heart with surgery performed by Dr. Christiano Caldeira.

Raymond’s recovery was not easy. Six months after surgery in spring 2022, he faced a major infection and other obstacles including heart rejection and kidneys shutting down.

Raymond was fortunate to have the love and support of his girlfriend Reina of 20 years, and his two daughters from his second marriage. Also cheering him on was Deja, a Largo Hospital social worker and heart failure coordinator who eight months previously had started talking to Raymond about the possibility of getting married again.

On Thanksgiving Day 2022, Raymond proposed and hid the ring under her side of the blanket. Unfortunately, he became ill and was admitted to Largo Hospital the next day. Raymond’s stay was extended, and he was feeling low. His daughters flew in to lift his spirits and pitched in to help him find a mobile notary. On December 4 with Raymond still in the hospital, Dr. Joseph Namey made his rounds and asked Raymond what was the matter noting that Raymond looked very anxious. Raymond replied that he was very nervous because he was about to get married. Dr. Namey asked where this was happening, and Raymond replied in his hospital bed.

Dr. Namey with the help of the hospital team sprang into action, securing the hospital Chapel, ordering the flowers, and asking the Food and Nutrition team for a carrot cake – a family favorite. Dr. Namey served as Best Man joining both daughters as part of this special wedding party.