Grace Dolinger has survived three heart attacks and undergone triple-bypass surgery; thus the nickname “Amazing Grace,” conferred upon her by her husband, Jim Dolinger. But Grace prefers crediting her team at Mount Sinai Heart, who helped her transition from taking medication to prevent heart failure, to receiving a left ventricular assist device (LVAD)—which helps her heart keep beating—to securing a spot on the heart transplant list.
Grace says that Sean Pinney, MD, who diagnosed her heart ailment in 2006, and Annapoorna S. Kini, MD, “saved my life.”
And she praises the skill and compassion of the entire team, especially Noah Moss, MD; Anelechi Anyanwu, MD; Julie Roldan, RN, Bridget Nattini, RN; LVAD Coordinators Aishe Cuca, RN, and Kimberly Ashley, FNP-BC; Chaplain Rocky Walker; her social workers; the team who monitors her at home; and the LVAD support group.
“The entire LVAD program is exceptional,” Grace says. “Everyone—including the nurses, patient care associates, therapists, even the housekeepers—is always happy, always smiling.” Jim is equally enthusiastic: “Our Mount Sinai family instilled confidence, strength and good health for Grace, for which we will be eternally grateful.”
Patient Grace Dolinger with members of her team at Mount Sinai Heart, from left, Noah Moss, MD; Sean Pinney, MD; Aishe Cuca, RN; and Julie Roldan, RN.