Richard Sommers 20 Years Later

Hi

On April 25, 2005 I had a heart attack. I later found out that my ex wife was told I had a 30% chance of survival. The type I had is referred to as the "widow maker". Thanks to Dr Michael Feld in the ER (and for 19 years after) and Dr Michael Greenberg at Montefiore Medical Center, I survived.

As you might imagine it was quite frightening. Being only 39 years old seemed too soon to die. The cardiologist that discharged me said he didn't expect me to live more than a couple of years.

Now here I am almost 20 years later.

I have the most wonderful life of anyone I know.

I am married to a woman I adore, and have 3 wonderful stepchildren. And perhaps best of all I am the father of a fantastic son. I fully believe that the reason I made it that day was to be the father of Justin Rose-Sommers and the husband of Nadine Kessler. I have an amazing job, with tremendous partners and great coworkers. I could continue to go on and on about all the blessings and good fortune I have had, and continue to have, but suffice to say there is unlikely anyone that is more appreciative of all the great things in their life.

To commemorate the fact that I have survived, I am running a half marathon (Surfers Path Half Marathon in Santa Cruz) on April 27th 2025. It seems a fitting way to celebrate still being alive. It will be my 7th. I could have never gotten this far if it weren't for the incredibly well trained and informed cardiologists that saved me. It is for this reason that I want to donate all of the proceeds to The American Heart Association.

I hope that you will consider contributing.