Ron Trotta, a three-time world champion ragtime piano player and a meteorologist who produced weather for ABC’s World News Tonight and Good Morning America, was beset by a series of medical problems, starting with an abscessed tooth in April 2020, which led to a serious infection that spread throughout his bloodstream. Ron then suffered a stroke with a brain bleed, and his doctors at a another hospital advised his partner, Elly McGuire, in mid-June to prepare for the worst. Ron’s aortic valve was leaking badly because of the infection, and the doctors felt that Ron was too weak to survive surgery.
Two months later, with the help of a friend, Gina LaRocca, MD, Elly was able to get Ron transferred to The Mount Sinai Hospital. There Elly and Ron met with Paul Stelzer, MD, who brought 40 years of experience with more than 3,000 aortic valve operations to Ron’s bedside. Ron and Dr. Stelzer hit it off immediately since both sing and play piano. More important, Dr. Stelzer was struck by Ron’s attitude. “His willpower convinced me to go ahead—his spunk, and his sense of humor,” Dr. Stelzer said. And Elly knew immediately that they had found the right doctor. “I let out this sigh of relief. This is the nicest man in the world,” she said.
One week later, Ron had his surgery. Ron made amazing progress over the next month, and was soon playing the piano and trying to get back into singing as part of his rehab.
Elly and Ron are highly grateful to everyone who assisted in Ron’s recovery, but Elly wrote to single out a few of the staff at The Mount Sinai Hospital for special recognition:
Madison Fisher, LMSW. Why Madison? Every time she came in to Ron’s room she was not only helpful, but so upbeat and such a ray of light. Madison was available by phone at any hour of the day and stopped by to check in on Ron (and me!) whenever she was working at the hospital. Madison added to Ron’s super positive experience at Mount Sinai. Yay Madison!
Nehal Patel, PT. Nehal was amazing. She was so inspirational and highly motivating. Nehal was instrumental in getting Ron to walk again. Nehal even helped in the design of a special wheelchair to accommodate Ron’s bedsores from before he came to Mount Sinai. The wheelchair was motorized, and Ron could independently tilt his chair back and forth to shift his weight every 20 minutes, to aid in the healing of the bedsores and prevent them from getting worse. Nehal was truly dedicated to Ron’s recovery.
Roderick Huger, Patient Care Associate, Rehabilitation. He was always ready with a smile and eager to help. And always had a kind, encouraging word. A gentle giant who made Ron’s stay and recovery journey just that much more special.
Caroline Conte, OT. Caroline was kind, caring, and so helpful in getting Ron ready to tackle everyday tasks. From learning how to get dressed and take a shower to regaining his balance, Ron was helped every step of the way by Caroline—just another Mount Sinai angel helping Ron get home and become independent. Caroline would give Ron hand exercises, especially for his paralyzed left hand, even accompanying Ron to one of the well-hidden pianos in the rehab area so he could exercise his hands and start to try and play piano again.
Patient Services. When I needed to make sure that Ron was going to have weekend physical therapy to not lose a day in the momentum of his gaining strength and mobility, I could always count on them to not only take my call, but with a cheery dispositions. I felt like I was part of the Mount Sinai family. As a family member and caregiver, that certainly meant a lot.
Elly sums it up this way, “After 148 days in the hospital, these folks made such a difference in Ron’s life—we think they deserve a Story of Excellence!”
Elly McGuire, Ron Trotta, Paul Stelzer, MD