John Wallace of Osoyoos is feeling like a new man these days after undergoing successful triple bypass heart surgery two weeks ago. The retired teacher, seen here with wife June, has been raising funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada for several years. Wallace said he feels terrific following the difficult procedure and hopes to make a full recovery and continue to donate his time for the foundation in future years. Photo by Keith Lacey
John Wallace is living proof you do reap what you sow in life.
After several years of volunteering his time to raise funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the retired Osoyoos high school teacher recently underwent successful triple heart bypass surgery in Victoria.
The surgery, which also included an aortic valve replacement, took place two weeks ago.
Wallace returned home within hours of surgery and two weeks later, he feels terrific.
Being able to benefit from an organization he’s dedicated so much time to over the past several years only confirms his belief the Heart and Stroke Foundation continues to make a difference in saving tens of thousands of lives each and every year, said Wallace.
“Basically, I’ve been interested in helping this cause for many years because my father had a stroke and that led me to quickly understand the idea of helping other people,” said Wallace, who retired from Osoyoos Secondary School in 1994 after a 35-year teaching career.
Wallace has been one of Osoyoos’ leading fundraisers for the heart and stroke foundation the past six years. For the 2012 campaign, he helped raise in excess of $500 of the $3,500 that was raised locally.
“The people in this community are extremely generous and I don’t receive very many negative responses when I’m out campaigning here in my neighbourhood,” he said. “The reality is a lot of people are affected by heart attacks and strokes and most people realize the great work being done by the Heart and Stroke Foundation and have no problem donating a few bucks to try and help a great cause.”
Wallace’s surgery took place at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria with renowned heart surgeon Dr. Michael Perchinsky in charge.
Admitting he was nervous before the surgery, Wallace said the care and consideration shown by the medical professionals before, during and after the operation was remarkable.
“The amount of information they handed to me before the operation was simply incredible,” he said. “I had at least three phone calls from the hospital from doctors and nurses asking me if I had any questions.
“I knew I had to have this surgery and of course you’re nervous, but these people do everything they can to make you feel comfortable and prepared and it really helps.”
Before heading into surgery, Wallace said he and his wife June were given a tour of the facility, a full explanation of the complicated surgery and what needed to be done following surgery.
While her husband prepared for surgery, June stayed at Heart House, a residence near the hospital, bought and paid for by the Heart and Stroke Association.
Only a couple of days after surgery, Wallace and his wife were home in Osoyoos.
And he was quickly following a light workout regimen.
“I walked 1,200 feet my first day and to the mail box and back the second day and I feel great,” he said smiling.
Wallace said he will continue to do volunteer work for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and try and raise funds so others can receive the same kind of world-class care and treatment he did.
Wallace’s wife said the medical treatment her husband received was only matched by the hospitality and kindness shown to her by the nursing staff and Dr. Perchinsky’s medical team before and after the procedure.
“The treatment we received from the second we arrived was just amazing,” she said.
“The people at Heart House made us feel like this was our home and we felt extremely comfortable there, which is so nice when you’re under a lot of stress.”
